Our modern way of living is unfortunately giving rise to more and more postural related problems such as back/neck pain, headaches, joint problems and digestive complaints.
The causes and symptoms of poor posture are many and varied. They can include the following:
- Sitting incorrectly at desks and/or on poorly designed chairs for prolonged periods of time in school or in the workplace. This can throw the neck, spine and pelvis out of alignment which may give rise to headaches, back and neck pain, muscular discomfort and sciatica. Being seated for too long also applies a lot of downward pressure to the stomach and intestinal areas which may lead to digestive problems.
- Standing for hours on end, especially on hard surfaces can lead to foot, knee, hip sacroiliac joint and back discomfort.
- Excessive driving places a lot of downward pressure on the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joints. Pressure is also exerted on the diaphragm, stomach and intestinal areas which may lead to respiratory and digestive problems. Too much driving forces the hips into prolonged flexion which tightens ligaments and muscles and weakens the hip joints.
- Prolonged use of lap-tops, mobile phones, tablets and gaming devices disturbs neck and upper back alignment. The head is the heaviest part of the body and if it is in a downward position for too long when using lap-tops etc., this places a lot of strain on the system and can have a negative effect on posture. Headaches are also a common side effect of this distorted position.
- Backpack/schoolbag carrying places excessive pressure on the spine, compressing the vertebrae (bones) and discs. As the head is thrown forward, neck and spine alignment is distorted, leading to negative postural changes. Children in particular are more at risk to altering and damaging their postures as their spines are still developing.
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