The Scottsdale Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Scottsdale

Spinal Curves – Maintaining Proper Posture

As a child, you were probably often told to “Stand up straight!” “Sit up straight!” But in reality, good posture is not about having a “straight” spine. The basis for good posture is maintaining what is known as a “neutral” spine.

A neutral spine has curves, a forward curve at the neck, a backward curve in the mid-back region and another forward curve in the lower back. These curves form an “S” shape viewed from the side. Good posture helps prevent chronic back and neck pain, or at the very least, reduces the severity of any pain that might be present. Poor posture may increase the likelihood of conditions such as TMJ, chronic headaches, shoulder pain and other chronic illnesses.

The basis for good posture is maintaining what is known as a “neutral” spine.
To maintain good posture while standing, it is important to:
  • Position your head directly over your shoulders, which should be positioned directly over your pelvis
  • Keep some space between your feet, one foot slightly in front of the other
  • Keep your abdominal muscles taut (tighten the “core” muscles) and your bottom tucked in
  • Bend slightly at the knees
To maintain good posture while sitting, remember to:
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor with your hips and knees at a 90 degree angle
  • Keep your chin level – practice with a book on your head if it helps!
  • Keep your lower back slightly arched – use a “lumbar roll” to maintain proper posture in the lower back if you sit for long periods of time
  • Remember to take periodic breaks from sitting and move around a bit or adjust your sitting position from time to time to prevent stress on your spine

Chiropractic care helps restore your spine’s natural alignment to keep your nervous system that it protects, functioning correctly. Good posture helps you retain the benefits of your chiropractic adjustments and helps you feel and look better! In fact, some say that good posture can take 10 years off your age and 10 pounds off your body – so give it a try!

Talk to us about ways to maintain good posture on your next visit. We’re only too happy to help!

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Dr. Stacey Asks some important questions of interest to Scottsdale residents - Chiropractor Scottsdale Dr. Stacey Asks...

What can a chiropractor do for asthma?
Many people think of chiropractic as exclusively dealing with the spine. But I'm interested in the spine because it covers the nervous system. Problems in the spine can produce problems in the organs and tissues controlled by the affected nerves—including those to the lungs and bronchial tubes. Find out how chiropractic care has helped those with asthma.
How do you know when you're healthy?
Ask most Scottsdale residents this simple question and you're likely to hear, "When you feel good" or "When you're at your proper weight for your height" or "When you have lots of energy and vitality." Great answers. But our chiropractic practice members know that true health is when your body is working as it was designed. True health is how you function, not how you feel.