Have you ever linked posture with pain? For example, does your back or neck hurt after a long drive? Do yousuffer frequent headaches? Do you have rotator cuff problems or frequent tendonitis? Do you have tennis elbow even though you don’t play tennis? All of the aboveproblems can be caused or aggravated by poor posture.
Although there are many causes of poor posture, by far the most common causes we see are:
- a) poor habits
- b) poor physical condition and
- c) poor ergonomics.
The problem with bad posture is that over time, a person can become “stuck” in that position. If not corrected, you can get a permanent “hump” in your upper back.
A simple test to check your posture can be done while standing or sitting. Get someone to stand to the side of you and see if your ear lines up with yourshoulder, your hip bone, middle of your knee, and your ankle bone.
The most common problem we see in the clinic is “head forward” or “poking chin” posture. This position increases tension in the neck muscles, nerves andjoints. Over time, it can lead to tension headaches, upper back ache, “knots” in the shoulder muscles and tendonitis in the arms.
Brisk walking and the use of a lombar roll can help alleviate complications of postural problems. However, if you suffer from any of the above problems,you may want to consult your family doctor or physiotherapist.