Posture and Your Health

By Jane Farrell

Good posture (i.e. how you hold your body) is about more than standing up straight so you can look your best. It is an important part of your long-term health. Making sure that you hold your body the right way, whether you are moving or still, can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems.

There are two types of posture:

Dynamic posture is how you hold yourself when you are moving, like when you are walking, running, or bending over to pick up something.

Static posture is how you hold yourself when you are not moving, like when you are sitting, standing, or sleeping.

It is important to make sure that you have good dynamic and static posture.

The key to good posture is the position of your spine. Your spine has three natural curves – at your neck, mid back, and low back. Correct posture should maintain these curves, but not increase them. Your head should be above your shoulders, and the top of your shoulder should be over the hips.

How can posture affect my health?

Poor posture can be bad for your health. Slouching or slumping over can:

Misalign your musculoskeletal system

Wear away at your spine, making it more fragile and prone to injury

Cause neck, shoulder, and back pain

Decrease your flexibility

Affect how well your joints move

Affect your balance and increase your risk of falling

Make it harder to digest your food

Make it harder to breathe

How can I improve my posture in general?

Be mindful of your posture during everyday activities, like watching television, washing dishes, or walking.

Stay active. Any kind of exercise may help improve your posture, but certain types of exercises can be especially helpful. They include yoga, tai chi, and other classes that focus on body awareness. It is also a good idea to do exercises that strengthen your core (muscles around your back, abdomen, and pelvis).

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can weaken your abdominal muscles, cause problems for your pelvis and spine, and contribute to low back pain. All of these can hurt your posture.

Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. High heels, for example, can throw off your balance and force you to walk differently. This puts more stress on your muscles and harms your posture.

Make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height for you, whether you’re sitting in front of a computer, making dinner, or eating a meal.

How can I improve my posture when sitting?

Many Americans spend a lot of their time sitting – either at work, at school, or at home. It is important to sit properly, and to take frequent breaks:

Switch sitting positions often

Take brief walks around your office or home

Gently stretch your muscles every so often to help relieve muscle tension

Don’t cross your legs; keep your feet on the floor, with your ankles in front of your knees

Make sure that your feet touch the floor, or if that’s not possible, use a footrest

Relax your shoulders; they should not be rounded or pulled backwards

Keep your elbows in close to your body. They should be bent between 90 and 120 degrees.

Make sure that your back is fully supported. Use a back pillow or other back support if your chair does not have a backrest that can support your lower back’s curve.

Make sure that your thighs and hips are supported. You should have a well-padded seat, and your thighs and hips should be parallel to the floor.

How can I improve my posture when standing?

Stand up straight and tall

Keep your shoulders back

Pull your stomach in

Put your weight mostly on the balls of your feet

Keep your head level

Let your arms hang down naturally at your sides

Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart

For more information, read:

Computer Workstations: Good Working Positions (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Getting It Straight: Improve Your Posture for Better Health

Reprinted from the National Library of Medicine, www.medlineplus.gov.