What Happens In Your Body When You Have A Bad Posture
We have all heard about the importance of having good posture. So many of us have heard time and time again that sitting tall, holding your head high and keeping good posture is very important. However, besides looking poised, healthy and professional at all times, why is having good posture so important?
When you maintain good posture, your can reinforce the important alignment in your neck and back, and you can keep your spine straight, in line and healthy. Studies have shown that good posture can help you have more energy, less stress and avoid fatigue. In fact, good posture is essential if you want to stay physically fit. In summation, good posture is a sign of good health.
If you have poor posture, it is not only bad for your spine in the present, but it can also have disastrous effects later in life as well.
Change in Spinal Curve
One of the most prominent negative effects that we tend to see from poor posture is a change in the spinal curve. Your spine naturally has a certain curve to its shape. However, if you spend year after year sitting or standing with poor posture, your spine is put under a great deal of pressure. This is because you are putting your spine in unnatural a position.
Over time, poor posture can cause these natural curves to change shape, putting an excessive amount of pressure in the wrong position. Our spines are built to absorb shock, but bad posture can slowly deteriorate this natural ability, putting your body at risk for more serious injury in the future.
Poor Digestion
Studies have found that sitting all day with poor posture can impact your digestive organs. Poor posture actually compresses your digestive organs and leaves them incapable of functioning the way they should.
This can not only slow down the digestive process and impact your metabolism but over time long-term compression of the digestive organs can seriously impair your body’s ability to consume and process food. You may ultimately find yourself with life-altering metabolic issues.
Increased Chances of Cardiovascular Issues
Both an Australian study on poor posture and life expectancy and an English study on poor posture and sitting found that individuals that sit all day with bad posture have an increased chance of developing cardiovascular issues. You may not only experience a shorter life expectancy, but one study found that those who sit most of the day experienced a 147% increase in developing cardiovascular disease (Jeez!).
Varicose Veins
When you sit all day with poor posture, you are preventing your body from getting the necessary circulation it needs. This can actually lead to the formation of varicose (spider) veins. This is particularly common in women.
Back Pain
One of the most commonly known side effects of poor posture is unwanted strain on your upper and lower back. Slouching forward puts pressure between your shoulder blades and causes you to flatten your back muscles. If you notice pain below the neck and around your tailbone after a long day at work, you are likely not sitting up straight.
Overall, your poor posture may be doing more than just impacting the way you look. Take the time to try and get up and move during the day, sit straight up with your shoulders back and your spine straight and visit your chiropractor for regular adjustments. Taking the time to do these things can not only help you have better posture but can also prevent you from dealing with a number of serious health issues later on in life.