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Why Good Posture?

Good Posture for SpineLike 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.

About the Author - Dana

Dana has been a physical therapist for over 30 years. He earned his Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of California, Santa Barbara and his graduate degree in physical therapy from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dana has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health physical therapy and for the majority of his career in outpatient orthopedic/sports medicine clinics in San Diego. Dana works with patients ranging in age from 8 years old to 90+ years old with both orthopedic and neurological diagnosis.

Dana has taken several continuing education courses focused on the shoulder, the thrower’s shoulder, the knees, TMD diagnosis and treatment, and manual therapy evaluation and treatment for extremities and the spine. Outside of work, Dana's passions range from vintage automobiles to surfing the beautiful beaches in north San Diego county.