Posture

Posture, quite simply, refers to the intentional or habitually assumed position of the human body. Posture is often discussed in a “good” or “bad” sense, as the proper positioning of the body across a range of daily activities is tied to good overall health. The converse is also true – poor posture can cause back pain or exacerbate existing discomfort.

Across Different Activities

Many people only think of good posture in the context of sitting or standing, but the reality is that proper positioning of the body is extremely important across a much wider variety of positions. This includes:

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Sleeping
• Driving

Effects of Good Posture

Keeping the body in proper position while performing day-to-day activities can have a range of positive effects. Good posture has been shown to optimize breathing and to have an effect on the circulation of bodily fluids. As it relates to the spine and back or neck pain, maintaining good posture can help ease discomfort. By properly aligning the spine, one can help minimize the burden placed on the spine and prevent further damage associated with many degenerative spine conditions, including spinal arthritis, bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs, and others.

Learn More

There are a variety of resources available that can offer you tips for improving and maintaining better posture, but your first stop should always be your doctor. There are also a number of products on the market claiming to help improve posture, such as ergonomic chairs, specially designed mattresses, and more.