As technology improves in our world, our orthopedic doctors in Benbrook TX (locations also in Bedford and Lewisville) have noticed an increase in posture-related pain. Poor posture can affect chronic pain quite a bit more than most people realize. Today, our pain specialists will be sharing some basic information about posture and how it can impact health and chronic pain. Read on to learn more.
How is Good Posture Defined?
Let’s start with the basics. Posture refers to the way a person positions and carries his or her body. When talking about posture, there are two different types to be aware of:
- Static Posture is how your body is positioned when at rest or unmoving.
- Dynamic Posture is how your body is positioned when in motion.
In both cases, good posture is defined by how a person’s spine is positioned throughout the performance of a motion [or lack thereof]. In good posture, the three key curves of the spine are sustained and supported. This is done by being mindful and intentional about the placement of the head, shoulders and hips while in motion and at rest.
Poor Posture & Chronic Pain
When a person uses good posture, muscles, joints and bones are well supported and protected. The opposite is true of poor posture. In fact, some chronic pain conditions are born from repetitive actions done with poor posture. And poor posture can also make symptoms dramatically worse for someone who has a chronic pain condition.
There are several ways that poor posture can negatively affect a person’s body as well as worsen chronic pain, including the following:
- Weaken spine joints
- Increase chances of injury
- Reduce flexibility
- Decrease joint function
- Increase inflammation and pain
- Reduce balance
- Increased headaches and back and neck pain
Benefits of Postural Awareness
Our Benbrook doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Bedford and Lewisville) recommend improving posture by first increasing awareness. This is known as postural awareness. This is because increased awareness often leads to a decrease in poor posture.
Recent studies show that patients with a higher level of postural awareness have experienced reduced pain levels over time. Postural awareness coupled with improved posture will lead to improved joint function, decreased strain and lowered pain/inflammation levels. If you are unsure where to begin, we encourage you to start by keeping a journal of all the locations and actions in which you notice yourself slouching or slumping. Be sure to bring that journal with you to your next pain specialist appointment.
How to Improve Posture
Once a person has developed more awareness of when and how he or she is using poor posture, the next step is to incorporate steps towards consistently improving posture. To get customized solutions that will specifically target your pain complaints, talk with a member of your care team about exercises and tools. The following are some of our top suggestions for common posture challenges:
- Avoid extended periods of inactivity
- Consider incorporating a standing desk
- Use exercises that target core muscles and improving balance
- Remember to take deep breaths and relax your shoulders
- Choose sensible shoes with good arch support
- Reduce the amount of time you spend on devices or smartphones
It’s important that you don’t start any new routine without first consulting a member of your care team. Your doctor may recommend you work with a pain specialist or physical therapist to get started on a helpful routine.
Orthopedic Doctors in Benbrook TX
If you live with pain that won’t go away, you know how frustrating it can be. Interventional pain management is a branch of medical care that can help. The pain specialists at the Comprehensive Pain Institute will work to find the cause of your pain and we’ll treat it at its source. This can give you a better quality of life and result in sustainable relief.
