Posture Issues Archives - Spine and Health Chiropractors Sydney

January 23, 2020November 3, 2023

Prolonged Sitting

What are the health implications of prolonged sitting?

There are a few health concerns that can be linked to prolonged sitting. As explained by the Mayo Clinic and the World Health Organisation this includes a cluster of conditions that make up metabolic syndrome, including:

Increased blood pressure
Excess visceral fat and
Abnormal cholesterol levels
High blood sugar and insulin resistance

It is observed that prolonged sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. For further reading see Mayo Clinic

The below article looks at the impact prolonged sitting may have specifically on your blood pressure.

Neurological link

Studies have shown there is a neurological link between poor posture and increased blood pressure.
As your posture becomes more forward and slouched this puts more pressure on the heart and lungs, therefore, making them work harder than they need to.
Neuroscientists at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom reported in 2007 that neck muscle cells signal the brain when sensing movement in the neck, possibly ensuring adequate blood supply as the body changes posture. The system, however, breaks down when cells incur damage from poor posture, resulting in blood pressure either higher or lower than optimum.

Poor posture?

The human body is designed to be upright and not engage in prolonged sitting. As a consequence of our increase in sedentary behavior, our bodies become more forward, this will erode our health on a daily basis. This can be anything from slouching at a computer or laptop, curling your spine over your iPhone, or spending too much time in a recliner or soft couch.

If you have a sedentary job or spend most of your day engaging in any of the above activities you may be at risk of undesirable conditions including high blood pressure. Speaking to your health expert is the next step you can take, as they can provide advice on how to make positive lifestyle changes.

Take action

There are a range of reasons why your posture can become more forward or slouched and it is important to address them. Apart from seeing a healthcare practitioner, there are lifestyle changes you can make to address poor posture. The Straighten Up App is a great tool to help promote better posture habits. This app is an initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association and can be found here https://chiropractors.asn.au/straighten-up-app

Contact us

You can call either our Crows Nest or North Sydney chiropractic clinic to speak to a licenced practitioner who may help you on the journey toward better posture.
North Sydney phone number: (02) 9955 8055
Crows Nest phone number: (02) 9460 8459
Email us at info@spineandhealth.com.au

Here are the references to the above-mentioned research studies:

[1] The Neurochemically Diverse Intermedius Nucleus of the Medulla as a Source of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Input to the Nucleus Tractus SolitariiIan

[2] J. Edwards, Mark L. Dallas, Sarah L. Poole, Carol J. Milligan, Yuchio Yanagawa, Gábor Szabó, Ferenc Erdélyi, Susan A. Deuchars, Jim Deuchars

[3] Journal of Neuroscience 1 August 2007, 27 (31) 8324-8333; DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0638-07.2007

May 31, 2017

What can poor posture do?

A landmark study has shown that spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse rate and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture. [1]

DID YOU KNOW?

The degree of forward head posture directly correlates with headache duration, headache frequency and presence of trigger points in the muscles at the base of your skull. So every inch that your head comes back will be less headaches. That’s a weight off my mind!! (Pun completely intended)[2]

HOW DOES POOR POSTURE EFFECT SO MUCH IN YOUR BODY?

Poor posture effects the nerve endings in the muscles of your neck which fire up and can stimulate the part of your nervous system that controls the heart and lungs. Not to mention that poor posture can dramatically reduce your lung capacity! [3]

Our Posture Experts at Spine and Health in North Sydney or Crows Nest can fix your posture so you experience less pain, improved health, better breathing and increased energy. When your spine is in proper alignment, your entire body can benefit from better overall health and allow you to be the best you can be!

Contact our Chiropractors at Spine and Health, they are the experts in pain and posture. The chiro’s will conduct a thorough examination including a digital postural analysis and create an individual plan of action for you should they feel chiropractic care can help you and your posture.

References

[1] Postural and Respiratory Modulation of Autonomic Function, Pain, and Health. Lennon J, Shealy C, Cady R, Matta W, Cox R, Simpson W. AJPM (American Journal of Pain Management) 1994; 4:36-39.

[2] Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles and forward head posture in tension-type headache. Headache. 2006 Mar; 46 (3): 454-60. Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Alonso-Blanco C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, ParejaJA.Department of Physical Therapy, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain

[3] The Neurochemically Diverse Intermedius Nucleus of the Medulla as a Source of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Input to the Nucleus TractusSolitarii. Ian J. Edwards, Mark L. Dallas, Sarah L. Poole, Carol J. Milligan, YuchioYanagawa, GáborSzabó, FerencErdélyi, Susan A. Deuchars, and Jim Deuchars. The Journal of Neuroscience, August 1, 2007, 27 (31): 8324-8333.

October 1, 2015November 3, 2023

Straighten Up to Boost your Energy

Within the body, there are certain muscles that work continuously to keep our bodies erect and upright. These are known as postural muscles. If we have bad posture, these muscles have to work harder and can eventually become tired and achy. This often leads to low energy levels and feelings of fatigue or exhaustion.

However, with good posture and proper alignment, these muscles are able to work together effectively to keep our entire body functioning properly. Without the added strain of misalignment and imbalance, our bodies can benefit from more energy and less fatigue.

Bad Posture Leads to Fatigue

Proper posture affects our physical bodies as well as our mental and emotional well-being. When we practice good posture while sitting and standing, the pressure that is placed on the spine, muscles and ligaments is distributed evenly. This results in reduced physical stress throughout the entire body which enables us to reserve our energy for other activities.

The human body is very complex and is designed to accomplish many intricate tasks. But, without proper posture, even some of the simplest movements can become difficult. This causes us to use up more energy, and we quickly become tired and fatigued.

Benefits of Proper Posture

Many people lack proper posture simply because they do not realize how vital it is for overall health. In fact, some people believe that proper posture looks unnatural or even strange. This may be the reason many people tend to slouch when sitting, or walk with hunched shoulders while holding their head in a downward position. These bad posture habits cause stress and strain on muscles and bones and deplete us of the energy we need for everyday tasks.

The following are some of the benefits of proper posture that can aid in increased energy:

Reduces wear and tear of joints
Prevents back pain
Facilitates proper breathing
Reduces stress on muscles, bones and ligaments
Prevents tiredness and fatigue
Increases focus and concentration
Reduces inflammation

Proper Posture Facilitates Breathing

In order for us to have the energy we need each day, our bodies need oxygen. With proper posture, our lungs are able to inhale more air thus enabling our blood and brain to receive more oxygen. Bad posture, such as slumping and slouching, restricts the amount of air that our lungs are able to take in. This results in less oxygen reaching our brain and bloodstream, and less oxygen means less energy.

Our Posture Experts at Spine and Health in North Sydney or Crows Nest can fix your posture so you can experience better breathing and increased energy. When your spine is in proper alignment, your entire body can benefit from better overall health. Your lungs are able to effectively provide your brain and bloodstream with the oxygen needed for increased energy and better overall health.

Contact our Chiropractors at Spine and Health. We can fix your posture so that you can experience reduced stress on muscles and tendons, reduced wear and tear on joints, and enjoy increased energy.

Category: Posture Issues