Posture plays a very important role in overall health, and the anatomical structures of the neck and back are all intertwined. Good posture helps the spine maintain balance, and keeps the muscles and ligaments stress free. Incorrect posture can lead to misalignment of the spine, and that’s why poor posture can cause neck and back pain (learn more).
Good and bad posture
Good posture means that the spine is in proper alignment whether you are standing, walking, sitting, or lying down. Poor posture is generally characterized by rounded shoulders that cause the upper back to hunch over.
How poor posture is giving you neck and back pain
Physicians have noted a significant link between the increasing incidences of neck and back pain, and the rapid growth in computer use. Most people tend to move the upper body forward towards the screen when sitting at the computer. This forward head posture (FHP) puts stress on the neck and back. It can cause the anterior ligaments to tighten and also stretch the posterior ligaments, disrupting spinal alignment, and causing pain.
FHP can cause abnormal curvature of the spine. In some cases there is excessive curvature in specific regions like the lower back, while in other cases curves may soften, as often happens with the neck.
The natural curves of the spine are designed to help the body maintain balance, and ensure the even distribution of stress. Therefore when the spine loses those gentle curves, it is unable to absorb all the stress placed on it when the body moves about.
Now that you understand why poor posture can cause neck and back pain, be sure to have a posture analysis done. If the results show that you have poor posture, take steps to correct it immediately. Go to www.posturepump.com and learn how.