A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has confirmed what many of us have known all along: that posture is directly related to longevity.
The study followed 1,353 patients for an average of 4.2 years. It confirmed, at least theoretically, what many chiropractors have been saying for years- poor posture, including forward head posture, slumped shoulders, and excessive kyphosis in the mid-back, is a major cause of decreased lifespan.
When viewed from the side, the neck should have a c-shaped curve. Poor posture, which can be caused by a variety of factors, leads to a loss or even a reversal in the normal curvature of the neck.
Often, it results in a forward head position which causes compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord delivers messages from the brain to the organs, senses, and extremities. When the spine is in a slumped position, the neurological messages in the body are affected negatively.
Additionally, poor posture can lead to something call hyperkyphosis, or increased forward bend in the torso. This position, overtime, will lead to degeneration of one’s health by means of several physiological processes such as organ compression, nerve compression, and arthritis.
So how can we prevent this from happening? Follow these steps!
1). Lift up your heart and draw the top of your head towards the sky.
These mindful movements will create a natural curve in the neck and upper spine, which helps with breathing by opening the chest allowing for optimal airflow.
These mindful movements will create a natural curve in the neck and upper spine, which helps with breathing by opening the chest allowing for optimal airflow.
2). If sitting, make sure your hips are higher than your knees to allow the spine to be supported.
When the knees are higher than the hips, the spine is shortened and collapsed…causing the shoulders to round and the head to come forward. Bringing the knees into proper alignment supports the natural “s” curve in the spine.
When the knees are higher than the hips, the spine is shortened and collapsed…causing the shoulders to round and the head to come forward. Bringing the knees into proper alignment supports the natural “s” curve in the spine.
3). Hug your shoulder blades in.
This will open your chest and thus encourage deeper breaths, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation response in the body).
This will open your chest and thus encourage deeper breaths, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation response in the body).
4). Breathe from your diaphragm versus your upper chest.The diaphragm is a large muscle which is very important for full, deep breaths. Many times when slouching we breathe with the smaller muscles in the upper chest and this limits airflow; airflow is important for the brain to think and work optimally.
5). Think a positive thought.Negative thinking can affect posture- try it yourself! Think something positive then watch your posture in a mirror. Now think a negative thought and see what happens. Being mindful of the quality or types of thoughts we are thinking can help us become more empowered instead of allowing the mind to wonder.
6). Hold electronic devices at eye level.
This will help decrease slouching.
This will help decrease slouching.
Poor posture is a complicating factor when it comes to back pain. In 1957, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “Deviations in the body’s center of gravity caused poor posture, which resulted in intestinal problems, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, osteoporosis, hip and foot deformities, poor health, decreased quality of life, and a shortened life span.”
photo by: liverpoolhls
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