I get asked a lot of questions. One that is beginning to gain some traction is about posture correctors. They are being advertised on social channels, and claim to help in relieve back pain and improve posture. These devices come in various forms, including braces, straps, and shirts, and are designed to pull your shoulders back and align your spine. The question I get asked around this is ‘what are my thoughts’?
The short answer is that posture correctors can be helpful in certain situations. But they are not a magic fix for poor posture. They can provide temporary relief for people who suffer from back pain or discomfort, but they are not a long-term solution. If you want to improve your posture, you will need to incorporate other strategies into your daily routine.
Benefits of posture correctors
One of the main benefits of posture correctors is that they can help to remind you to sit or stand up straight. When you wear a posture corrector, you will feel a gentle tug on your shoulders if you start to slouch or hunch forward.
This can be a helpful reminder to adjust your posture, and over time, this can help you to form new habits that promote good posture.
Posture correctors can help to reduce pain and discomfort. If you suffer from back pain, a posture corrector can help to distribute your weight across your spine. This reduces the strain on your back muscles and can help to reduce pain and make it easier to maintain good posture.
It’s important to note that posture correctors are not a long-term solution for poor posture.
They can help to alleviate pain and discomfort in the short term, but they will not address the underlying causes of poor posture.
They are also not allowing yourself to train your neurology nor your musculature as to how to hold yourself by yourself.
Strategies to improve your posture
If you want to improve your posture permanently, you will need to incorporate other strategies into your daily routine.
Quite simply by NOT improving your posture, as stated in the article above, your life can be AMMESS. Some strategies that can help to improve your posture include:
- Alignment: As the twig is bent, so grows the tree. A straight, correctly aligned spine makes it easier for you to maintain a correct posture, comfortable for longer. Chiropractic care is the answer here.
- Mindfulness: Being mindful of your posture throughout the day can help you to develop new habits that promote good posture.
- Movement: You need to be able to move at specific intervals at least twice an hour. Here is a 10 – 15 second movement exercise that can be incorporated easily into your day.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Making adjustments to your workspace, such as adjusting the height of your chair or the position of your computer screen, can help to promote good posture. NOTE – it is great to have a proper ergonomic design, it is another to use it correctly.
- Strengthening exercises: Certain exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, making it easier to maintain good posture. This is by strengthening your ‘extensor muscles’ of the back and the core muscles of your stomach.
- Stretching: Stretching can help to improve your flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to maintain good posture. This is best done for the chest flexor muscles and your hamstring muscles.
Posture correctors can be helpful in certain situations, but they are not a magic fix for poor posture. They can provide temporary relief for people who suffer from back pain or discomfort, but they are not a long-term solution.
If you want to improve your posture, see your local Chatswood chiropractor who can help you to improve your posture, and your health through chiropractic care.
They can also help you to incorporate other strategies into your daily routine.
