It’s the spine that gives us our overall body structure. You may think that having poor posture is not a big problem, but habitual bad posture may lead to a longer list of other complications. Studies have shown that poor posture leads to back pain and shoulder and knee injuries, as well as balance and endurance problems. When a person slouches, the muscles are forced to work. They become stressed and fatigued.

A recent study even showed that joint issues and back pain are one of the most common reasons why Americans see their doctors. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Americans spend approximately $50 billion every year for lower back pain issues. These staggering numbers only prove how important it is for us to combat the many issues related to back pain. One of the simple ways to avoid chronic back pain is by maintaining proper posture.

To determine if you’re slouching, try sitting on your hands and move around until you can feel the two bones at the bottom of your pelvis. This is your tailbone. If you’re feeling it even just a little bit, you’re already slouching and putting unnecessary strain on your body.

It’s not uncommon for people to not notice if they’re slouching. One misconception is that you must throw your chin back while pushing your chest out to stand up straight. However, proper posture is all about balance. There are products in the market today that you can use to help you maintain balance and achieve proper posture. BackJoy, Up shirt, and Lumo Lift are just some of the items you can look into. You can even use a lumbar support cushion for your chair to keep you from slouching at your desk.

It only takes little changes to make a big difference when it comes to proper posture. If you’re having back pains due to poor posture, don’t hesitate to contact Spine Center of Texas.