Tips for Improving Your Posture

Correcting Your Posture & Protecting Your Spine

It's no secret that good posture is important for our overall health. Not only does it help us to avoid pain in our necks, shoulders, and backs, but it also helps to improve our spine health. Here are five easy tips you can follow to improve your posture, prevent pain, and keep your spine healthy:

1. Make sure that your workstation is ergonomic.

Do you sit at your desk all day at work, only to stand with back pain? Especially with more employees working from home, having a proper workspace is crucial. This means that your computer screen should be at eye level, your keyboard should be at elbow level, and your chair should support your lower back.

2. Take breaks often to move around and stretch.

Whether you’re working or spending time relaxing at home, it’s important to move your body to prevent your joints from locking in the same position. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can lead to muscle tension and pain. You can even set a reminder every so often to stand up, stretch, and walk for a few minutes.

3. Be aware of your posture when you're standing, sitting, and walking.

Make sure that you're not slouching or hunched over. This may be the natural position that your body falls into, but it can cause pain and damage to your spine.

Proper posture while standing means you should:

• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders back.
• Keep your head level and in line with your body.
• Pull in your abdomen.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

Proper posture while sitting means you should:

• Sit with your back straight and your shoulders back.
• Distribute your body weight evenly in both hips.
• Keep your knees even with or slightly higher than your hips.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Adjust your chair height and workstation so you can sit up close to your work.
• Place your elbows and arms on your chair or desk, keeping your shoulders relaxed.

4. Strengthen your core muscles with exercises like pilates or yoga.

A strong core will help to support your spine and improve your posture. Activities such as light weight lifting, pilates, or yoga are great options that help strengthen your core. Be sure to speak with your doctor to get medical clearance for these activities!

Read More: Exercises to Relieve Lower Back Tension

5. Get regular chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain or discomfort in your back, and realign your spine. This can help ensure that your spine is aligned properly and reduce pain.

Compassionate Spine Care in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, the discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance — it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.