Q: When looking in the mirror the other day I noticed that I hunch my shoulders and “slouch” even when I feel like I am standing up straight.  Could that be the reason I get a sore neck and shoulders a lot? –Susie D., N. Ft. Myers, FL

To most people, “good posture” simply means sitting and standing up straight. But in reality, having good posture is as important as eating right, exercising, and getting proper rest. When we are properly aligned, our bones, not our muscles, support our weight, reducing effort and fatigue. When our body is “structurally sound”, meaning body weight (load) is appropriately distributed to minimize strain, we feel healthier, have more energy, and have less physical complaints. 

Just as there are normal values for heart rate, blood pressure, and any other physiological parameter, there is also a normal standing posture and spinal position. The normal posture is one that has the head, rib cage, pelvis and feet aligned and balanced upon the other, both from the front and side views. The spine should be straight and vertical from the front. From the side the spine should have normal alternating curves to allow for normal pain-free, maximal range of motion and movement.    

Poor posture distorts the alignment of bones, causing an abnormal distribution of body weight.  As gravity pushes straight down on the body, the abnormal posture allows increased muscle strain and acceleration of the arthritic processes such as bone spurring and degenerative joint disease (DJD).  Over time, as the body attempts to compensate for these disproportionate stresses, these disease processes may become accelerated and irreversible.

Correcting bad posture and the physical problems that result can be accomplished in two ways. The first is by eliminating as much “bad” stress from your body as possible. Bad stress includes all the factors, habits, or stressors that cause your body to deviate from your structural center. Bad stress can result from a poorly adjusted workstation at work, from not having your seat adjusted correctly in your car, or even from carrying too much weight around in a heavy purse or backpack.

The second is by applying “good” stress on the body in an effort to move your posture back toward your center of balance. This is accomplished through a series of exercises, stretches, adjustments, and changes to your physical environment, all designed to help correct your posture. Getting your body back to its center of balance by improving your posture is critically important to improving how you feel.

Dr. Misty Green is a local Chiropractor serving the Cape Coral/North Fort Myers area for over 10 years.  She was voted the best Chiropractor in Lee County by the readers of Senior Life Magazine and her office was voted Best Massage therapy by the readers of the NFM Neighbor. Her office is located close to the intersection of Pine Island Road and Pondella Road and can be reached at (239) 772-5777 to schedule an appointment.