Posture plays a huge part in our daily health and well-being, and even without the issues of lockdown we have been on a fast track for the last 30 years that is contrary to all the evolution that came before.
While back and neck conditions are the normal issues associated with poor posture, there are many others — such as poor balance, breathing difficulties, mood swings, insomnia and even jaw alignment issues.
Three other problems linked to poor posture may surprise you.
1. Incontinence. Poor posture promotes stress incontinence — when you leak a little urine if you laugh or cough. Slouching increases abdominal pressure, which puts pressure on the bladder. The position also decreases the ability of the pelvic floor muscles to hold against that pressure.
2. Constipation. Poor posture on a toilet — hunched over with your knees lower than your hips — can promote constipation. “That position closes the anus somewhat and makes it harder for the abdominal muscles to help move faeces out.
3. Heartburn and slowed digestion. Poor posture after a meal can trigger heartburn caused by acid reflux (when stomach acid squirts back up into the oesophagus). Slouching also puts pressure on the abdomen, which can force stomach acid in the wrong direction.
What can you do?
Manual therapies such as Tui Na or Raynor massage can help to release the tension in stretched muscles and rebalance the system, once the balance has been restored then evaluating your habits and making a conscious effort to check your posture can help. Joining a good yoga or Pilates class will help to redress the damage that the modern world is.