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(Health-NewsWire.Net, August 19, 2015 ) Birmingham, West Midlands -- Most people are familiar with posture - at least to the extent of knowing that it can be good or bad. "I know I've got terrible posture" is a comment heard all too frequently! So if posture is observed to be bad what's the reason for it? What are the benefits of good posture and what are the dangers if it is poor?
Birmingham Chiropractor, Lisa Andrews, says, "Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies when standing, sitting and laying down. Good posture is the balanced alignment of the spine and body parts and is essential for good health. It optimises breathing and circulation, reduces stress on joints, reduces risk of injury and relieves pain."
Most people do not know the alarming mechanics of poor posture. If a head weighs approximately 8 lbs then for every inch the head is further forward (anterior head carriage due to slumping) than it should be the relative weight of the head is increased by an incredible 50%!
So, if a head is just 1" too far forward the head now weighs 12lbs
If 2" forward the head now weighs 50% more than 12lbs, so 18lbs
It is extremely common to see that people sit at their desks with their heads 3" too far forward due to slumped posture, equating to an incredible 27lbs! So, it is no wonder that the muscles, ligaments and spine get strained and permanent change occurs.
Many people have jobs that require prolonged sitting at a desk for long hours, and this can result in the head moving forwards in position, placing massive strain on the neck and upper back. Another common postural problem is an uneven pelvis, which can have a variety of everyday causes. So, if poor posture is so common, what's the harm? Poor posture indicates an unbalanced spine, and along with it being a cosmetic issue, it often contributes to problems that may not have connected to it before. Neck pain or lower back pain, even headaches can result when the spine is out of balance due to bad posture.
In order to improve posture, it may be helpful to understand how posture becomes poor in the first place. Sometimes a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a sports injury, can throw the spine out of balance. More commonly however, it's simply a lifetime of bad habits that have forced the spine and muscles out of place. To take the example from above, sitting at a desk in front of the computer all day may cause anyone to lean forward with shoulders slumped. The body will fight back at first, but over time the muscles will weaken in specific areas and tighten in others, moving the normal spinal curves out of their specific position. This shifts the spine out of balance, which in turn affects the nervous system, leading to a wide variety of health problems and pain.
Posture affects much more than how you look. If you're ready to change your posture and improve function and feel then find a great chiropractor near you. It takes years to create bad postural habits, but with chiropractic care, effective advice and a specific core strengthening program you can be on the journey to perfect posture in practically no time at all!
About Zest Chiropractic:
Dr Lisa Andrews, Doctor of Chiropractic, runs Zest Chiropractic in Moseley, Birmingham.
149 Swanshurst Lane
Moseley, Birmingham, B13 0AS
United Kingdom
Zest Chiropractic
Lisa Andrews
0121 777 1400
info@zestchiropractic.co.uk
Source: EmailWire.Com 
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