Longevity through Posture

Yoni Whitten, D.C., C.C.W.P

We can tell a lot about a person from the way they carry themselves. For instance, picture the way someone stands when they are feeling depressed: mid-back and shoulders rolled forward, head hanging, gaze focused on the ground. Not exactly the picture of health. Our posture is representative of our emotional state in the same way that facial expressions are. Not surprisingly, it has been proven that posture and facial expressions can subconsciously drive our emotions and conjure up the associated feelings. That is eye-opening and potentially upsetting news for those of us with chronically poor posture.
Proper posture is the manifestation physical, mental and emotional balance. With the right posture, anyone can appear younger, thinner and more confident. However, proper posture does much more than simply effect the way we present ourselves to the world. Maintaining correct posture may be one of the best kept secrets to obtaining a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life.
Our bodies were designed to move. Movement was an obligatory part of our daily existence throughout human evolution. Whenever we sit or stand, particularly with improper posture, unnecessary strain is inevitable. In the short run, this strain can lead to a wide assortment of neck and back problems. It can also cause headaches, TMJ, arthritis, poor circulation, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, indigestion/ constipation, joint stiffness, fatigue, neurological problems and poor physical function in general.
As uncomfortable as all this sounds, the long-term effects are truly frightening. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that persons with hyperkyphosis (hunched over – head and shoulders rolled forward) were two times more likely to die from pulmonary causes and 2.4 times more likely to die from athlerosclerosis than those without such a posture. Additionally, they found a 1.44 times greater rate of all-cause mortality among those with hyperkyphotic posture. Even with a mild degree of hyperkyphosis there was a definite greater rate of earlier mortality.
Posture is a powerful indicator of overall health and people with poor posture are more likely to develop all types of chronic diseases and ultimately, to succumb to them. These study findings place new importance on the clinical findings of hyperkyphotic posture. If we practice being hunched over all day, eventually we become hunched over. Imagine where we could be if we practiced being upright all day.

Action Step:

• Begin each day with energizing full body movement exercises to improve mobility, ensure proper range of motion and enhance functionality.
  (Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Spinal Hygiene exercises are all good choices)
• Our Bodies were built for movement - So take frequent breaks and MOVE!
  (Stand up, Stretch, move around, even if it’s just to walk to the restroom and back)
• Here are some tips to bring you back into alignment whenever you notice your posture breaking down:
  Sit or Stand up right. Relax your shoulders. Imagine a string running from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Pull the string straight up. Make sure it’s kept taut at all times.

Remember:

• Some postural changes are more advanced than others and may require more serious intervention.
• It’s a good idea for everyone to have their posture screened periodically by a trained professional to avoid serious health consequences later in life.

References:

1.Kado et al., Hyperkyphotic Posture Predicts Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 52 (10) 1662, 2004

2.Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 2006: (Mar): 46 (3): 454-460

3.American Chiropractic Association - http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=1452

4.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/how-to-look-thinner-instantly

Everyone that uses traditional chairs suffers from the inevitable sitting-oriented disorders. The symptoms may show in any number of ways from poor posture and uncomfortable sitting, to strained joints and easy fatigue, to increased neck, shoulder and low back problems and poor circulation more...