Importance of Posture
Posture is defined as a position of your body or of body parts; a characteristic or prescribed way of bearing your body, carriage, according to freedictionary.com. Posture is always at the center of your daily activities.
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Anatomy
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The spine is responsible for posture, along with back and abdominal muscles. The bones of the spine are called vertebrae. Vertebral disks provide cushions between the vertebrae, which house the nerve pathways running to the brain.
Health
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Poor posture does not cause serious health conditions, but it can indicate other health problems of the spine, such as arthritis and degenerative disk disease, according to the faculty at the Harvard Medical School.
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Pain
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Poor posture can cause vertebral disks to pinch or press against nerves and result in pain. It can also increase the symptoms of arthritis and cause general muscle aches.
Common Conditions
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Lumbardosis can be caused or exacerbated by poor posture during everyday activities like bending, digging and lifting. It causes low back pain due to compression or instability in the lower spine. Kyphosis is a structural condition that causes a "hump" in the upper middle spine; it often presents as a stooped posture with drooping shoulders.
Performance
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Posture is an important aspect of many athletic endeavors, including running, skiing, skating, gymnastics and baseball. The alignment of your spine and the strength of your postural muscles enhance your physical balance and rotational movements and protect your joints from impact and overstretching.
Appearance
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Good posture will strengthen your abdominal muscles and help you look young, according to Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic. When you perfect your posture, you are automatically engaging your abdominal muscles to support your spine.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit joelogon/Flickr.com
