50% of Americans suffer from poor posture so it’s no secret that bad posture is an epidemic in today’s society. Everywhere you look, people are hunched over their computers, slumped in their chairs, or looking down at their phones. This “text neck” is taking a toll on people’s health, and it’s only getting worse.
The good news is that there is a solution. Chiropractic care is an effective way to improve posture and relieve the pain that comes with it.
In this blog post, we’ll look at what is bad posture and can a chiropractor improve posture.
What Is A Bad Posture?
There are a few different ways to define bad posture. In general, it refers to any unnatural position that puts strain on the spine or muscles. This can include slouching, rounding the shoulders, or sticking the chin out.
Bad posture can result from a number of things, including sitting or standing in the same position for too long, carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, and wearing high heels. It can also be a result of muscle imbalances, pregnancy, and aging.
There are a few types of bad posture:
- Lumbar Lordosis: This is when the spine curves inward at the lower back. It can be caused by weak abdominal muscles or tight hamstrings.
- Thoracic Kyphosis: This is when the spine curves inward at the upper back. It can be caused by poor posture, muscle weakness, or osteoporosis.
- Sway Back: This is when the pelvis tilts forward and the spine curves inward at the lower back. It can be caused by weak abdominal muscles or tight hamstrings.
- Forward Head Positioning: This is when the shoulders are rounded forward and the head sticks out. It can be caused by sitting in a hunched position, carrying heavy bags, or poor posture.
Can a Chiropractor Improve Posture?
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The short answer is yes! Chiropractors are posture experts and can help you improve your posture and alleviate the pain that comes with it. Not only can they pinpoint the cause of your posture problem, but they can also provide customized treatment to correct it.
Once they have addressed the issue, you will reap the benefits of improved posture, including:
- Reduced back pain
- Increased energy levels
- Improved breathing
- Greater flexibility
- Better confidence
Type of Postural Problems a Chiropractor Can Treat
There are a few different types of postural problems that a chiropractor can treat. These include:
Issues With Neck Curvature, Low Back Issues, and Mid-Back Problems
If you have any of these postural problems, a chiropractor can help. By improving the alignment of your spine, they can help prevent lower back pain, improve the curvature of your cervical spine resulting in less neck pain, as well as help with mid-back problems.
Pelvis/Hip Un-Leveling
Your pelvis should be level when viewed from the front or back. When it isn’t, it can cause problems with your hips, low back pain, and even your knees. A chiropractor can help improve the level of your pelvis by making adjustments to your spine and hips.
Kyphosis (Hunchback)
This is a condition where your spine rounds at the upper back, causing a hunched-over appearance. It can be caused by poor posture, muscle weakness, or osteoporosis. A chiropractor can help improve your posture and strengthen the muscles in your back to alleviate this condition.
Scoliosis
This is a condition in which your spine curves to the side. It can be mild or severe and can cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
Forward Head Positioning
This is when the shoulders are rounded forward and the head sticks out. It can be caused by sitting in a hunched position, carrying heavy bags, or poor posture. A chiropractor can help improve your posture and alleviate the pain that comes with it.
How Chiropractic Practice Helps With Posture Problems
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to improve posture, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. These can include:
1. Chiropractic Adjustment
Spinal adjustments are known by many as the “cracking” or “popping” noise that is often associated with chiropractic care. This is when a chiropractor uses their hands to specifically move a vertebra to, remove subluxation and allow for optimal position and healing.
This is an effective way to improve posture because it helps to align the spine and takes the pressure off of strained muscles. It can also help to increase the range of motion and reduce pain.
2. Working With Strained Tissues
If your posture problem is caused by strained muscles or ligaments, your chiropractor may use techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, or stretching to release the tension and improve flexibility. This can help to improve posture by lengthening the muscles and allowing them to move more freely.
3. Stretching & Rehabilitation
Chiropractors may also recommend specific exercises and stretches to improve posture and prevent future problems. These exercises will help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve your range of motion. For example, neck strengthening exercises can help prevent forward head posture or a hunched back.
Expert Chiropractors in Colorado
You don’t have to live with bad posture. Instead, you can choose to consult with a professional Gonstead chiropractor to help you fix bad posture and live a life free from the health and social issues affiliated with bad posture.
We at Concise Chiropractic understand the toll that a bad posture can have on you physically, mentally, and socially. That’s why we are committed to providing you with the best Gonstead chiropractic care to suit your individual needs and get you on the path to better posture and pain relief.
