Having good posture can help you look and feel your best. While slouching occasionally may seem like no big deal, your bad posture can become a significant health concern over time.
If you’ve got back pain, bad posture habits may be to blame. We often develop poor posture habits in our childhood, and improving our posture in adulthood can be challenging. No one wants to get stuck wearing a back brace due to poor posture, so it’s important to identify good vs. bad posture as early as possible.
Not sure if your posture is good or bad? No problem! Here are the 3 biggest signs of bad posture.
1. Back and Neck Pain
You’re probably feeling stiff after a few hours sitting at your computer or on the sofa. Did you know that poor posture while sitting is one of the primary causes of back and neck pain?
If an aching back has become the norm for you, try straightening up and untucking your chin. You may be pulling your neck forward while you glance down at your phone or your computer. This leads to an imbalance in your spine as your body tries to compensate for your out-of-place neck.
Try getting up and walking around every hour to realign your spine naturally, especially if you have a headache.
2. Slouching and a Hunched Back
Slouching is an easy habit to adopt early in life, so it’s best to correct it early in life too. If you notice your children slouching, a back cushion for kids can help them develop good posture habits before back and neck pain starts.
If you still slouch as an adult, using a posture corrector or practicing yoga can help you become familiar with what standing up straight feels like. Changing your activity can help you develop new muscle memory so a straight back becomes more comfortable. You can also set a reminder for yourself to stand up throughout the day and try to lengthen as much as you comfortably can.
After years of slouching, you may notice your back hunches. If you already see the effects of poor posture, make sure to start and end each day with back stretches to elongate your spine.
3. Tight Hips
It may be surprising that your lousy posture can show up in your hips. However, if you’re sitting incorrectly, you may be tilting your hips forward and impacting your alignment down your body.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, it might be the result of bad posture. Standing up straight and standing up regularly can help reduce pain in your hips and make walking more comfortable.
Trying to fix your posture without looking at your hips may lead to added pressure on your lower back. Strengthening your hips and glutes can help make maintaining your posture easier. Regular stretching can reinforce the muscle memory you’re developing in your upper back and substantially reduce your pain over time.
Other Ways to Tell Good vs. Bad Posture
While these three symptoms are the most common signs of bad posture, there are other ways to tell good vs. bad posture, too. For example, you may experience headaches frequently if your neck is out of alignment, or you may feel like your chest muscles are tight if you’re rounding your shoulders. It’s crucial to start correcting how you sit and stand as soon as you notice signs of bad posture.
If you’re looking for more ways to stay fit and healthy, you’re in luck! Take a look at our other blog posts for more advice on improving your health.
