Better Posture for Better Health: 3 Easy Exercises to Improve Posture


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tand up straight!” “Stop slouching!” If you’ve heard those remarks before, especially from your parents growing up, raise your hand. They may have been nagging comments,


but your parents were right. Posture not only affects how you look externally, on the outside, but how your body functions internally. Your posture influences how you breathe, your focus and concentration, vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and GI system, and stimulates overall well-being. Do not ignore potentially harmful postural habits. Ignoring harmful postural habits leads to illness, discomfort and pain, and increases the risk for the development of disease in the body. Dr David Jockers, DC is an expert in postural rehabilitation and excerpts from his book, Supercharge Your Health, are shared below for your benefit.


Biomechanics of the spine correlates to overall health The body was built with a curve in the spine to provide sup- port and balance to the musculoskeletal system. It is essential for preventing deformation to bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Correct posture protects against disc degeneration that can lead to inflammatory conditions and disease. It is also critical for protecting the central nervous system. Doctors refer to the natural curve of the neck as the “arch of


life.” This arch should have a 40-45 degree curve. As the arch reduces it becomes unstable and results in a forward head shift, which depending upon the severity can add up to 30 pounds of additional weight on the spinal discs, ligaments and tendons. This postural issue causes major stress on the musculoskel-


etal system. Loss of the spine’s natural curve inhibits normal physiological and nervous system functions. The ability to protect the brain stem and support the communication of nerve im- pulses throughout the body becomes suppressed.


Effects of Subluxation Slouching, crossing legs, cell phone use, and incorrect er-


gonomic practices at home, school and work causes poor posture and can lead to abnormal curvature of the spine and abnormal stress on the nervous system, which is known as spinal sublux- ation.


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Spinal subluxation interferes with nerve impulses and can manifest in numerous physical symptoms. Examples include:


• Neuropathy • Back pain or neck pain


• Chronic pain common in the hips, joints, lower back, pelvis and knees


• Irritation of a specific area such as arm pain • Weakened immune system • Organ dysfunction • Inability to move or exercise normally • Dizziness and loss of balance • Loss of bladder or bowel control • Autoimmune conditions • Headaches and migraines • Fatigue


Although our very own chronic habits


lead to forward head posture, the spine is also susceptible to trauma from birth, regular physical activities from exercise and sports, as well as accidental injury from car accidents and falls.


Depending on the type of injury and which


nerve pathways of the spine become disrupted, spinal subluxations can increase the risk for weakened immunity and lowered quality of life.


Dangers of Forward Head Posture Vanity is of least concern when it comes to the problems associated with forward head pos- ture. As the head shifts forward, the thoracic spine moves and the weakening of the shoulder blades causes slouching and the appearance of hunch- back. These harmful effects trigger the descent downward of vital organs in the chest. There is a decrease in lung capacity, a reduced


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