No matter what condition you have be it stenosis, scoliosis, fused vertebrae, sciatica, degenerated discs, bulging disc, kyphosis (rounded upper back), lordosis etc. "good" posture is essential to improve and promote spinal health.
When I use the word "posture" I don't mean sit and stand up straight. I think we've all tried that and it's tiring and doesn't last. In no time we're slumping or rounding our shoulders again.
WHAT IS "GOOD" POSTURE
Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit, lift and lie so that the least amount of strain is placed on the spine during movement or weight-bearing activities.
So no matter what spinal condition you have, learning proper body mechanics and good posture is essential.
Yesterday I gave a free presentation on spinal health and posture improvement at the library in Thornbury.
Here are a few notes from the presentation that I'd like to share with you:
For good posture we require:
Good muscle flexibility
Normal motion in the joints
Strong postural muscles
A balance of muscles on both sides of the spine
Awareness of your own posture, plus awareness of proper posture which leads to conscious correction over time.
This might seem ominous but it really isn't.
You can gradually improve your posture by practicing proper body mechanics in every day activities.
There are also some other exercises you can do that will help release the tightness across the chest and pectoral muscles that create the rounded shoulders and at the same time these exercises or practices will strengthen your postural muscles.
Eventually sitting and standing tall will feel almost effortless.
To learn proper posture and body mechanics come to another free presentation on Spinal Health and Posture Improvement at the Collingwood library on Thursday May 30 at 2-3pm. Please register with the library.
Or contact me for a private one-on-one session in Thornbury. Email joanne@InnerJourney.ca 705-888-9686 Cost: $110 (90 minute visit). Includes notes and exercises to practice at home.
