One of the first things a chiropractor will do is have a look at your posture as it can reveal a lot about someone’s health. Your posture can be a reflection of good health or could actually be hurting you.
While standing in front of a mirror, follow this easy head-to-toe self-assessment to determine your personal posture:
Do your ankles roll inwards? When standing facing a mirror, does either foot look flat or tilted? Does your weight feel evenly distributed on both feet? Are you well balanced? If you notice any of these, you may need to strengthen your ankles and feet. Try rolling your foot over a tennis ball and doing ankle alphabets to increase ankle flexibility and foot arch strength.
Stand on one foot. Does the opposite hip drop or do you have a hard time with balance? If so, you could have weakness in the hip you are standing on. Having a weak hip can lead to low back pain and contribute to early joint degeneration or arthritis. If this sounds like you, you may need to strengthen your buttock muscles. Try lying on your side, bending your top leg at the knee and raising the top leg.
Do your ears sit over your shoulders? Do your shoulders sit over your hips or do you have rolled forward shoulders and a strained neck? If you notice your head drifts forward and your shoulders are rounded, you have an anterior head carriage. This could be the cause of your headaches and/or upper back ache. Try sitting or standing straight up, stretching your chest out, reaching your arms behind you and drawing your head back so your ears are aligned over your shoulders.
Poor posture and misalignment of the spine, hips and ankles should be corrected to enhance your health and wellness! Chiropractic adjustments and exercise prescription are the key to restoring proper posture and reducing pain. If you try these exercises and still notice misalignment in the mirror, you may need to be adjusted.
Give this little activity a try! If you are concerned with your posture, think about chiropractic care sooner than later.
Medical Disclaimer: Information shared is for informative purposes only. It is not intended for assessment, diagnosis or treatment purposes. If you feel you require medical assistance, please seek out a qualified health care professional for a proper assessment.