Page 6 - elevatespring2018

WELL-BEING

POSTURE:

GETTING OVER THE SLUMP

You’ve been standing, sitting and sleeping for years, but
there’s a chance you haven’t been doing so correctly.

HOW’S YOUR POSTURE? If you spend time hunched over your cellphone or
you’re reading this with your hips positioned to the side, odds are it could use
some help.

Posture is the position we hold our bodies in. Good posture puts as little
strain as possible on the body—especially the spine.

“The spine is one of the most important structures in our bodies because it
houses the spinal cord, which carries most messages between the brain and
the rest of the body,” says Todd Kelleher, DC, Chiropractic Spinal Therapist at
Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health. “Using good posture is a great way to
care for the spine.”

Good posture not only helps the spine, but also:
»» Reduces wear and tear on joints
»» Lowers the chance of injury
»» Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders and back pain

Despite the benefits, many people still don’t practice correct posture
when going about their day—or when they use their cellphones. According
to research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, using a
cellphone for a long period of time is linked to bad posture and can even
affect the way you breathe.

To help prevent problems, get in the habit of bringing your phone up to your
face instead of bending your neck to look at the screen. Hold it at or just below
eye level. It also helps to take breaks from looking at your screen. The more
time you maintain good posture, the better it is for your spine.

“Posture is something we don’t usually think about,” Dr. Kelleher says. “This
means we may be using poor posture without realizing it.”

IF YOU NEED HELP STRAIGHTENING UP, THE TEAM AT REHABILITATION
HOSPITAL, NAVICENT HEALTH CAN PROVIDE THERAPIES AND CARE TO
ASSIST. CALL 478-201-6500 TO LEARN MORE.

PROPER POSTURE Good posture may look slightly different depending on what you’re doing. Here’s what
your posture should look like in three common positions:

Standing: Sitting at a desk: Lying down:

• Weight is mostly on the balls of • Feet are firmly on the floor • B ack or side is flush with the bed. Doctors
• Knees are bent and no higher than recommend sleeping on your back—it puts the
the feet least amount of strain on your spine.
• Feet are shoulder-width apart the hips
• Knees are slightly bent • Low- and mid-back are supported by • Stomach is not facing the mattress. Sleeping on
• Arms hang naturally down the your stomach can put your neck and back out
the chair of alignment.
sides of the body • Eyes are level with the top of the
• Earlobes in line with your • Hips, back and neck are in line. You may
computer monitor need to try a different pillow and mattress to
shoulders • F orearms, wrists and hands are straight accomplish this.

and parallel to the floor

6 navicenthealth.org | SPRING 2018