Dr. Noya provides adjustments and care to help improve the posture of his patients from the Washington D.C. Metro area. Poor posture has a variety detrimental effects on overall health and wellbeing. Make an appointment at Noya Chiropractic today to start your journey towards better health.

Posture Correction Specialist

What Is Good Posture?

Posture and body position are synonymous terms. However, many people don’t realize that posture is not just the way they stand, but their sitting and even sleeping positions. The position of the spine is key; when standing, the patient should be relaxed, with shoulders back, abdomen flat, and the head, trunk and thighs in a straight line. Good sitting posture is similar, but the knees should be bent at a right angle and feet flat on the floor. Sleeping on the back or side (with the head and neck properly supported) is generally best.

Why Does Posture Matter?

Posture certainly makes a difference in appearance; slouching, slumped shoulders and protruding abdomens don’t look attractive and can make people look older. More importantly, posture affects overall musculoskeletal health. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons are in a chronic state of stress when posture is poor, which can eventually cause alignment problems in the spine. Poor posture increases wear and tear on the joints and can also affect balance, which increases the risk of falls.

What Are the Signs of Poor Posture?

Visible signs of poor posture can be recognized even by a layperson: hunched shoulders, a rounded back or forward head carriage. On the other hand, an excessively stiff, upright posture — sometimes seen in military personnel — is not a sign of good posture. Chronic pain is not visible but may be an indication of poor posture. Muscle tension and stiffness are other signs, as poor posture causes imbalances, especially when muscles are weak.

How Can Chiropractic Help Posture?

One of the most valuable aspects of chiropractic treatment (in addition to spinal adjustment) is that chiropractors are trained to analyze not only posture but body mechanics and conditions like scoliosis that may be causing or contributing to poor posture. A chiropractor can develop an exercise program specifically designed to strengthen muscles, make them more flexible, and restore muscle balance (muscles operate in pairs). Chiropractors can also help with ergonomic evaluations, which identify how patients use their bodies in daily activities and the way those movements may be affecting posture and alignment.