Can It Be Your Posture?

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

Tired? Lacking libido? Aching neck? Don’t stand for it. Here’s the fix …

Pain in the Neck (& Shoulders & Arms & Hands)

We don’t need a study to prove sore, tight neck muscles have become commonplace in our gadget-obsessed world. There is a name for it: tech neck or text neck. Even kids, who tend to be as flexible as dough, complain of such aches these days. (Of course, it also could be attributed to overstuffed schoolbags.)

Staring down at screens throughout the day puts added weight on your neck. In neutral posture, the head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. When leaning forward at various degrees, the neck may have to absorb up to 60 pounds. That can add up to an additional 50 pounds more than the muscles and nerves in the neck were meant to handle. That’s a heavy thought!

This weight-stress effects the neck, spine, jaw, and shoulder area. Feeling tingling or numbness in your fingers? Sore arms? A tension headache creeping up? They could be from your heavy head, too. Compression, muscle spasms, and misalignment from poor posture radiates all the way to our extremities. At bedtime, we further strain the neck as we continue leaning toward screens or books in bed.

The fix: Hold your phone/reading material at face level. Use pillows or props for extended use. Purchase a case that acts as a stand to use when watching shows or gaming on mini-tablets. Accommodate positioning to keep gadgets at eye level as much as possible.

Aching Back

Poor posture while sitting, especially extensively at a desk, can trigger lower back pain. Muscles in your lower back tighten, which can lead to spasms or an actual pull. One wrong move and those tense muscles are ready to bite!

The fix: Assure your work area is ergonomically correct. If possible, insert a pillow/roll at the small of your back for support. Do not lean into this cushion though. Only use its surface as a reminder to remain upright with good posture. Wrists should be supported at the keyboard and computer screen should be eye level. Do not hunch shoulders, which can happen even when sitting in perfectly straight form.

Fatigue

Poor posture affects the way our structure bears weight. Slouching adds stress on bones, joints, and ligaments, which forces the body to compensate when performing daily tasks. Simple activities require more energy in this compromised state, from chores to your workout. If your posture is bad, it is likely your form during exercise is as well. Plus, poor posture has a cumulative effect, lingering even after corrected. You grow tired more quickly.

Proper posture also is important for healthy breathing. When the spine is lengthened and in proper alignment, full deep breaths are possible. Optimum breathing quality allows oxygen to more effectively restore and rejuvenate cells as well as the brain, heart, and other organs.

This combination of inefficient movement and breath subtly drains energy and stamina throughout the day. Stand tall and skip the caffeine.

Depression

Studies prove healthy posture can help those with mild depression feel more positive and alert. Standing or sitting straight, with shoulders back and chin up, is shown to boost confidence and mood. It is an instant appearance enhancer, announcing your taller, smart self to the world as well as your own mind.

Lack of Lovin’

Poor seated posture can weaken and tighten pelvic floor muscles, those champions engaged during sex. Sitting extensively, with rounded lower back, can result in a variety of sexual dysfunctions for men and women. Prolonged sitting further contributes to the poor-posture issue by reducing circulation, especially in the lower body. This creates the perfect conditions for a frosty night.

We Are All Connected

Good posture occurs when the spine is properly aligned and the body’s overall structure has the support it needs where needed. However, we often neglect this simple wellness practice, and suffer the consequences. A shift from healthy posture can have extensive, lingering effects. Don’t stand (or sit) with it any longer. Straighten up and feel better now.

See a personal trainer or fitness instructor for exercises to improve posture!

Sources

“‘Text Neck’ and Other Tech Troubles,” by Matt Sloane at webmd.com.

“Why Good Posture Matters” at harvard.edu.

“10 Ways Poor Posture Can Harm Your Health,” by Ruben Castaneda at usnews.com.

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