What is Good Posture?

Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or laying down. Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments.

The benefits of Proper Posture:
• Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
• Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain.
• Contributes to a good appearance.

How Does Poor Posture Develop?

Common causes are uncorrected physical stresses from the birth process, sports injuries, car accidents and far too much time spent slouching in front of a TV, playing on video games or working at a PC.

Will Poor Posture Lead To Arthritis?

Yes it will. Arthritis (spinal decay) can result from abnormal, chronic adaptation to incorrect body posture. It has been said that sitting down is to your spine what sugar is to your teeth i.e. it’s no good for your spine at all!
The body deposits calcium on malfunctioning spinal joint surfaces in a bid to stabilize the joints, which leads to bone spurs and eventually fusion of the joints.

If you or any of your family members show any of these signs, then you need to have a Spinal Health Check to assess what may be causing the problem. These assessments may be carried out by qualified Physiotherapists or Chiropractic.

Spinal Health Care talks & assessments are being held in the Fitzwilliam Health Clinic as part of their Straighten Up Dublin campaign. The talks are taking place on 24th February at 1pm and 5th March at 6pm. (Tel: 6618949).

Dr Danny Scahill graduated from Glamorgan University in 2006 and is a full member of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland.

Spot the early signs of Postural Problems

The head tilting to one side
Forward Head Carriage
Rounded Shoulders
Stiffness and pain in the neck and between the Shoulder Blades
Discomfort or fatigue sitting up straight for any length of time
One Shoulder higher than the other or one hip higher than the other
Uneven wear on your shoes