Everyone is talking about Text Neck these days but Bad Posture has much more Negative effects on the body.
5 Effects of Bad Posture
Neck, Back and Shoulder pain – Prolonged sitting lengthens and weakens the muscles that surround our spine and causes tightness to the muscles of the chest and shoulders. Weakness and tightness present as pain to let our body know it needs help
Poor Circulation – Slouching constricts blood flow and can eventually lead to varicose veins. Decreased blood flow reduces the body’s transportation of proper oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs
Poor Lung Expansion – Hunched posture limits rib mobility and expansion which can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue. The rib cage compresses the abdomen and internal organs and may cause bloating with the appearance of a small pot belly. Symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, and other GI issues can arise
Functional Scoliosis – Curvature of the spine, caused by sitting in prolonged positions and muscles adapting to this habit. This can further effect lung capacity and cause increased pressure on joints
Joint compression – Increased pressure on joints when the body is not in neutral and optimal position makes the spine more prone to disc bulges. Compressed joints can impinge on nerves, cause numbness and tingling in extremities, radiating pain, and in some cases sciatica
3 Tips to Help your Posture
Take standing breaks every 2 hours. Set a timer to help keep you on track
Diaphragmatic breathing to help rib movement and lung expansion. Make sure your ribs are expanding, not just your chest or belly
Stretch more often. Reach overhead and then to each side to get some spinal mobility and loosen those muscles