There are times when each one of us engages in bad posture

Standing, walking or sitting, we can all find ourselves with poor posture from time to time.

If we do it only occasionally then little will happen. Yet to continue with bad posture is to reliably store up painful problems and experiences for the future.

On top of back pain, incorrect posture can also impact on the healthy functioning of the nervous system which is contained within the vertebral column, and this can lead to all kind of problems from sleeplessness to headaches.

The commonest bad habit when it comes to posture is perhaps rounded shoulders. When we adopt this position, usually the head leans forwards and downwards, throwing the entire spine out of alignment.

Often this poor posture is accompanied by an extended tummy, arched lower back and protruding derriere.

All of these bad postural habits can and will lead on to back pain and other problems if left uncorrected.

Those with good posture will have three natural curves in the back and the bony vertebrae – or little bumps – will form a more or less straight line down the entire back.

When the natural curvature of the back is excessive then postural deformity known either as hyperkyphosis or hyperlordosis is most often the cause. Hyperkyphosis is an exaggeration in the upper curvature of the back and is a condition common in the elderly, while hyperlodosis is a similar condition but in the lower back.

Often, though, these two conditions exist together. As our bodies mature and age, our muscles tend to weaken and our vertebrae or spinal discs tend to lose a degree of their suppleness. This intensifies wear and tear on the spine itself, thereby making it harder to maintain good posture.

Yet these conditions are not solely reserved for the senior citizen. Those who spend hours bent over books or in front of a pc monitor without good posture and seating – and without pausing for proper breaks – can also develop hyperkyphosis and the back pain resulting from this.

‘Flat back’ is yet another example of chronic ill posture which involves a near total loss of curvature in the back, usually other than in the neck area.

Simply put, the spine is at its most healthy alignment when it follows something similar to an ‘S’ formation.

In order to check this, simply hold your head in a straight and neutral position, making sure your chin is tucked in. Make sure that your ears form a line with the middle of your shoulders, keeping your shoulder blades back and chest forward. Ensure that your tummy is tucked in and your knees straight yet relaxed.

This ‘S’ alignment ensures that you put minimum strain and stress on joints, ligaments and the muscles responsible for good posture.

Posture can be adversely affected by a number of different things including being overweight, underdeveloped muscles and incorrect shoes.

Your posture can also be affected by the bed you sleep in. Choose a bed that is firm without being too hard and a pillow that is not too high but high enough to comfortably support your head and take the weight from your neck and shoulders as you sleep.

In conjunction with the spinal erector muscles – the spinal erectors – the muscles of the stomach play an important role in good postural health and endurance. Be sure to exercise these muscles if you really want good back health.

Stretching exercises and weight bearing exercise are also great for postural health.

If you truly want good health, take the time to invest in proper posture and you’ll find yourself skipping through life.

Peter Field is a leading British hypno-psychotherapist with busy practices in London and Birmingham, UK. He is also Consultant Psychotherapist with Terrence Higgins Trust (Midlands), the largest HIV and sexual health organisation in Europe. For more of his interesting and informative articles, information on pain relief and other information, please visit his website: Peter Field Hypnotherapy UK

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