It’s easy to get into the habit of slouching, whether you are scrolling on your phone or typing away on your computer.
Being mindful about your posture can help to relax and reduce shoulder tension.
The Healthy Back and Healthy Postures series are a collection of stretches and exercises designed to help release body tension and back pain.
A good posture leads to better breathing, reduced headaches, better digestion, and of course, back relief!
Breathing: Rounded shoulders and a forward- leaning head tighten the chest muscles that leads to breathing pattern dysfunction. The tightened chest causes rapid, shallow breathing.
Headaches: Bad posture allows for tension build-up in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. This build-up then leads to pain around the base of the skull and face resulting in headaches.
Digestion: Dr. Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist, discusses evidence showing regular intestinal movement is slowed when you slouch. Staller explains that bad posture after eating puts pressure on the abdomen, which can force stomach acid in the wrong direction leading to heartburn.
Back Relief: Being mindful of your posture can strengthen back and chest muscles providing back and neck pain relief.
In the Healthy Back Program, our Caravan teacher Liz demonstrates simple and effective exercises you can use to release back pain.
References:
DMC Healthcare. !0 Benefits of Good Posture: DMC Healthcare: Chiropractors. https://www.dmc-healthcare.com/blog/10-benefits-of-good-posture