Like me, you were probably reminded by your parents to stop slouching and to sit up straight. At Proactive For Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, we encourage our clients to sit and stand up straight. We then show our clients how to accomplish this and instruct them why this is important. In addition to aesthetic reasons, there are also anatomical reasons for proper postural alignment.
First, abnormal stresses are placed on ligaments, discs, and bones when you sit or stand incorrectly. Abnormal stresses will eventually lead to premature wearing away of these structures. The medical terms used for the erosion of the spinal structures are degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease or simply arthritis. Physical therapists work with many clients with degenerative spine disease that is related to habitual “poor posture.”
Secondly, in normal or “good posture,” the abdominal and spinal muscles are contracting and thus holding up the spine in the proper position. When using the spinal stabilizing muscles helps to strengthen them. Conversely, not using them leads to a weakening of those muscles, also known as muscle atrophy. Back pain is a common complaint while working at the computer. Ergonomics can be a factor in poor posture at work. The height of the computer screen, the height of the desk and chair, and the placement of the keyboard can affect spinal alignment.
Sitting in a chair for long periods creates tight muscles in the hips and back. These tight muscles pull on the spine leading to back pain. Sitting up straight makes sense. The person who can best help you with your posture is a physical therapist at Proactive For Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.