By Dr. Erick Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

As we celebrate Women’s History this month, I can’t help but think of my women patients who have a history of health problems due to poor posture. Poor posture is not something that comes along simply because we forget to stand up straight. Several factors contribute. When women wear heels, the added stress on the hamstrings can impact the low back. Heels also shift the center of gravity forward, arching the back. Pregnancy can further stress the spine – as can carrying a child around on one hip. Women who are uncomfortable with tall height or a large bust may purposefully slouch. To top it off, smart phone use is causing all of us to bend our necks in ways that make our spines react badly.

The postures that result from these behaviors can disperse the loads on your spine incorrectly, weaken the tissues in your lower back, and impact the intricate network of muscles, discs, and joints in your back. The result is, of course, back pain.

As a chiropractor, I often explain to my patients that a healthy back has three natural curves: A forward curve at the neck; a backward curve at the upper back; and an inward curve at the lower back. Holding yourself in good posture maintains these natural curves. Poor posture does the opposite because it stresses muscles, ligaments, and bones.

To test your standing posture, take the Mayo Clinic wall test.

·       Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall with your heels about 2 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 centimeters) away from the wall.

·       Slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back, with your palm flat against the wall. You should feel about one hand’s thickness of space between your back and the wall.

·       If there’s too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles to flatten the curve in your back.

·       If there’s too little space, arch your back so that your hand fits comfortably behind you.

Walk away from the wall while maintaining this posture. Keep it up throughout your daily activities.You will reduce wear and tear on joints, relieve stress on ligaments, and avoid back pain. Good posture can also help prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and back and muscular pain.

The good news, you can practice good posture. Save the heels for special occasions, hold your phone at eye level, and take special care during pregnancy and when carrying children. Remember that whatever body you have, it is a miraculous, beautiful gift. No need to slouch! And give your posture a boost with regular chiropractic adjustments.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.