KAWARTHA LAKES-Do you spend 8 hours a day slumped over a desk? Maybe you have a long commute to work? Perhaps you spend a lot of time on your cell phone or tablet?
While no one intentionally has bad posture, we are greatly affected by the postures we put our bodies in for prolonged periods. These holding patterns become a habit and our bodies and spine adapt to this shape.
Today we’re talking about how poor posture it can negatively impact your health when you don’t stand up straight and what you can do to line up better!
1.) Nervous System Compression
Good posture is not only essential for optimal movement, but also for our nervous system health. Millions of electrical signals are sent down our spinal column per second.
You can imagine how poor posture can delay some of these signals.
Our spine has natural curves in it and when these curves are compromised over long periods, it has a negative effect on the brain and spinal cord.
According to Roger Sperry, PHD; the more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism, and healing.
One common mechanical problem is forward head posture from looking at screens. When the cervical curve is diminished, this puts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord, which over time, can diminish communication from the brain to the body.
Make sure you are taking breaks from your computer and stretching on a regular basis so you don’t develop these holding patterns. A little awareness goes a long way!
2.) Compacting Organs
When we hold our spines with poor positioning, it can greatly reduce the efficacy of or organs.
When organs are compressed, they just don’t function as well.
This can cause things like high blood pressure, weakened digestion, acid reflux, and constipation.
When organs are compressed, they are cut off from regular blood flow and this leads to the above problems.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you might not think to take a look at how you are holding yourself up. So consider how much time you spend sitting each day and consider starting an exercise routine with a great emphasis on posture, like Pilates or yoga.
3.) Decreased Ability to Breathe Deeply
Poor posture restricts oxygen and blood flow into the diaphragm and rib cage, making our breaths shallow.
The problem with shallow breathing is, our body relies on oxygen and blood flow for energy, healing, and relaxation. If you are not breathing deeply and fully, this is perceived as stress to the body-causing anxiety, fatigue, poor oxygenation to tissues, slower healing times and headaches.
Test yourself: when you are sitting at your desk or in the car, try to breathe as deeply as possible, expanding your ribs in all directions. Then try the same activity while standing-you’ll notice you can get a deeper inhale when you are lined up better!
Our bodies were made to move well! If you are struggling with postural issues, it’s time to see a trained expert in postural health such as a Chiropractor, Kinesiologist or Pilates teacher.
Pilates is amazing for spine health so be sure to check out my Reformer Pilates offerings at www.sweathappywellness.com/Pil
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
