Effects of poor posture

At some point in your life, you have more than likely been told to sit or stand up straight.
This can be annoying or frustrating feedback to receive, it is not always unwarranted —
bad posture can have several negative effects on the body and can sometimes indicate
underlying health conditions. If you want an example of good posture, just look at a
young child – their back shows a graceful ‘S’ curve and their movements are easy and
effortless. As we get older, unhealthy habits such as slouching and inactivity cause
muscle fatigue and tension that lead to poor posture. The complications of poor posture
include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and
headaches.

You can improve your posture and spinal health by making a few lifestyle adjustments.
See your doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or massage therapist for further
information and advice.

Symptoms of poor posture

Symptoms can include:
-Rounded shoulders
-Head that either leans forward or backward.
-Back pain
-Body aches and pains
-Muscle fatigue
-Headache.
-Poor circulation
-Nerve compression
-Breathing difficulty
Good posture feels effortless, which is why traditional ‘good posture’ suggestions like
throwing your shoulders back and sticking out your chest may feel uncomfortable too.
Instead, listen to your body. Make minor adjustments while standing and sitting. Which
position feels the easiest and most graceful?
In most cases, concentrating on other tasks (such as work) can direct attention away

from any feelings of physical discomfort. Get into the habit of regularly tuning in to your
body. If you feel muscle tension or fatigue, move into another position.

Improve your general posture

Suggestions include:
-Remember the rule of ‘curve reversal’ – for example, if you have been leaning over your desk, stretch back the other way.
-Perform stretching exercises two or three times a week to boost muscle flexibility.
-Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and tone.
-Stretch your neck muscles regularly by turning your head from one side to another.
-Avoid standing on one foot for extended periods of time.
-Cross your legs at the ankle, rather than the knee.

Maintain good posture

Suggestions include:
-Avoid sitting in soft, squashy chairs.
-Use lumbar rolls to support your lower back when sitting in regular chairs or driving the car.
-Switch to ergonomic chairs in the office or for any activity that requires you to sit for extended periods of time.
-Make sure your mattress is supportive enough to keep your spine straight when lying on your side.
-Use a pillow that supports your neck.
-Keep your back straight and use your thigh muscles when lifting heavy weights.

Pay attention to your desk setup

When you sit at your desk to work, hold your shoulders and arms at a 90-degree angle.
Position your monitor straight ahead at eye level.
Research on “text neck” aka “tech neck” — a problem caused by constantly looking
down at your phone or tablet — found that when you hold your head in line with your
shoulders, it only weighs about 10 pounds. However, tilt your neck forward & the
amount of weight it places on your spine nearly doubles.

Poor posture while standing prompts similar problems for your neck and back. Access
to a standing desk at your office might be a good option, but it is important to be diligent
about maintaining a good posture. Keep your spine in a neutral position. And, again,
position your computer screen high enough to avoid looking downward.

Avoid Problems Caused by Poor Posture

Patients with neck and low back pain or headaches can work with a physiotherapist to
correct the issues causing this discomfort. We will show you how to decrease pain and
help strengthen weak muscles. Once the muscles are stronger, we can work on
improving range of motion. We also like to educate our patients with self-management
techniques to reduce the chance of injury reoccurrence and understanding proper sitting
and standing techniques.

Recognizing the consequences of poor posture empowers us to make positive changes
in our daily lives. By prioritizing good posture, maintaining proper alignment, and being
mindful of our body positioning, we can reduce the ill effects of poor posture and
improve our overall well-being.

Posture Correction at Curezone Physiotherapy

Are you interested in a postural assessment? Are you interested in getting educated on posture awareness? Do you know how to stretch your tight muscles? Are you aware of how to strengthen weak muscles? Interested in postural retraining? How about some breathing exercises? Would you benefit from ergonomic advice?

At Curezone Physiotherapy, our physio experts on posture in Mississauga and Oakville aim to improve your posture through targeted stretches and exercises. If you are looking for the best physiotherapy clinic to improve your posture during different activities, look no further! We aim to be YOUR best rehab physio in Mississauga and Oakville areas, and are here and ready to teach you the best exercises and stretches for getting you back to the right posture.

We welcome you to call us or click below to book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists to let us immediately start assisting you in your road to recovery.

Posture Correction Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

Physiotherapy Clinic Erin Mills – Curezone Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Mississauga.

Posture Correction Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.