Your posture refers to the way you carry your body, including the position of your arms and legs. Having a good posture is not only aesthetically pleasing; it also helps keep your bones and muscles in proper alignment.
Whether it’s because of slouching on a couch, bending down to type on the computer, or looking down at a phone screen, having a poor posture is a result of bad sitting and standing habits developed over the years. Our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton says that people don’t develop poor posture overnight. That’s why keeping it in check is important to prevent a bad habit from affecting your posture.
Negative effects of poor posture
Aside from musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and poor balance, there are other lesser-known effects of poor posture to your health. These include:
Constipation
Constipation refers to an infrequent passage of stool or incomplete bowel emptying. Although there are several factors that can contribute to constipation, such as inactivity, dehydration, and a low-fiber diet, having poor posture is another factor to look at.
If you have poor posture when sitting down, you’re likely going to sit that way even when you’re on the toilet. People who sit with their back hunched over and their knees lower than hip level are prone to constipation, as this sitting position closes the anus.
Acid reflux
Slouching after eating can lead to poor digestion and acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. This can lead to a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn. When you slouch after a meal, you are putting pressure on the abdomen which causes the stomach acid to flow back up.
Urinary incontinence
Since slouching can increase the pressure inside the abdomen, it also puts pressure on the bladder. If your pelvic muscles cannot hold the pressure from the bladder, you will be leaking urine when you cough, laugh or even sneeze.
What is the correct posture?
The correct posture is an upright position wherein your spine is in a neutral state, not bent backward or forward. Pull your head and shoulders back to keep them in proper alignment.
Maintaining a correct posture can be hard, especially if you’ve neglected your posture for too long. Straighten yourself up every time you catch yourself in a slouching position. Using lumbar support or an ergonomic chair can also help.
If these still don’t help, consult our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton to find out if your poor posture is caused by a medical condition.
Want to learn effective methods for posture correction? Experts in Orthopedics, Boca Raton are here to help
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology – you are in good hands.
If you have been suffering from physiologic effects of poor posture, don’t hesitate to consult our specialist Orthopedics, Boca Raton to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your condition. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
