Can a Chiropractor Help With Poor Posture? Here’s All You Need to Know
Looking to fix posture issues? Maybe you’ve tried everything from strengthening exercises to pressure-applying vests and haven’t seen any progress. Poor posture not only causes pain; it can also cause self-confidence issues. When nothing seems to help, struggling to find a fix that works can feel hopeless. But can a chiropractor help with poor posture problems?
Well, we’ve got good news for you. Chiropractic care can indeed help you improve your posture – and more!
What Causes Posture Problems?
Bad posture gets worse as we age, so it’s important to address it as soon as you notice it. There are several culprits behind bad posture, and our computer-based lifestyle has only made them worse
Increased use of technology has led to more poor posture issues, especially in adolescents and children. The consistent tilt-forward head posture that comes along with using these devices has caused muscular imbalances and postural misalignments that impact overall well-being.
Common Root Causes of Posture Problems
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- Slouching
- Injury and muscle strain
- Weak muscles
- Inactivity
- Carrying excessively heavy objects regularly
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Poor workspace design
- Being under or overweight
- Long periods of computer use or cellphone use
Types of Postural Problems
Different kinds of poor postural problems can lead to health issues if not addressed. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to try chiropractic treatment.
Forward Head
The forward head posture is known as tech neck or text neck. It comes from your head consistently tilting downward at a computer or phone screen. This puts a lot of stress on your neck that it wasn’t designed for. You want to keep your neck as straight as possible – the more you tilt it, the more stress you put on your neck.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a forward rounding of the back, resembling a hunchback. Leaning back in chairs irregularly or carrying heavy backpacks can lead to this kind of bad posture.
Lordosis
Also called swayback, Lordosis involves standing with too large of an inward curve in the lower back, which could make it appear as if you have a potbelly. This stane puts a strain on your hamstrings, causing stiffness and pain if not adjusted.
Flatback
In this type of posture, your lower spine loses some curvature. Your lower back looks straight, and you begin to stoop forward, making it painful to stand for prolonged periods.
Health Issues Caused by Bad Posture
When your posture suffers, so does your overall health.
Eventually, poor posture can cause medical issues such as spine curvature or a hunchback. The ligaments and muscles holding your spinal bones in place can be stretched by poor posture and slouching, leading to scoliosis and kyphosis.
Spinal misalignments can cause balance issues, lower back pain, upper back pain, neck pain, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, and even incontinence in adolescents.
The tension in your neck and shoulders can also lead to chronic headaches and disrupted digestion and sleep.
Better posture results in better well-being. You’ll have more energy thanks to the efficient use of your muscles, be less likely to strain a muscle or injure yourself, and reduce abnormal wear and tear on your joints. It’s easy to see why correct posture is one of your wellness goals – so how can a chiropractor help you reach it?
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Help Develop Good Posture?
At your first trip to the chiropractor, they start with a chiropractic exam. During this exam, they identify spinal misalignments and postural imbalances. Once they identify the issues, they can develop a treatment plan.
A trained chiropractor can use massage therapy to work on strained soft tissue and ligaments. They also guide you through muscle releases and strengthening exercises that build up your postural muscles, leading to posture correction.
Chiropractic adjustments can also help with postural imbalance. Through spinal manipulation, they put your body into proper alignment and ease the tension in strained muscles from poor posture and slouching.
They can also teach you how to move to encourage a neutral spine – a medical term for good posture – so that you can maintain the health benefits of your alignment.
Chiropractic Care Fixes More Than Just Bad Posture
A visit to the chiropractor can do more for you than fix bad posture or relieve back pain. In fact – some of the benefits might surprise you.
If you’ve been in an accident that has limited your mobility, working on the injured soft tissue could increase your range of motion. A chiropractic adjustment resets the nervous system, boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, which helps with pain management. Because of this, it’s helpful for chronic conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.
A trip to the chiropractor can also give a boost to our mental health. Studies show that a chiropractic adjustment not only lowers blood pressure but also reduces other symptoms of anxiety.
Find Proper Posture and More at Meridian HealthCare
So, can a chiropractor help with poor posture? Absolutely – and several other conditions as well!
A chiropractic alignment can help get your system in balance. Natural healthcare services such as acupuncture can also help you manage pain and overcome chronic conditions without relying on addictive medication.
At Meridian HealthCare, we believe in creative and integrated medical care – so we staff experienced and caring chiropractors. If you’re looking to improve your posture and quality of life, book an appointment with us today. Find your balance and a better life here with us at Meridian.
