Because of the way technology has become integrated into our daily lives, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to maintaining proper posture. Sitting hunched over a computer for hours on end and the continual use of tablets and smartphones on planes, trains, buses, and even in bed can cause a host of spinal issues. These problems typically include fatigue, muscle strain, and neck and back pain.

While it can be challenging to remember to work on your posture, practicing good posture in Williams Bay WI isn't all that hard and can make a big difference in the way you feel. In addition to visiting a chiropractor, maintaining proper spinal alignment is vital for achieving back pain relief. It can be practiced while working at your desk, relaxing in bed, or waiting in line. Here are three easy ways to improve posture and reduce back pain:

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1) Standing in Williams Bay WI

Slouching is inevitable, especially when tired, but it is critical to work on your posture whenever standing. When standing correctly, your head, shoulders, hips, and knees should line up. To achieve this, try to keep your feet positioned about shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent, legs should be straight, but not locked, and your weight should be centered over the balls of your feet. Allow your arms to rest in the anatomically correct potion, meaning hanging naturally by your sides. Granted, this may seem like a lot to think about, but with a little practice, it can become as effortless as walking.

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2) Sitting

While trying to always sit in a proper position can be difficult, due to postural changes when writing, typing, talking on the phone, etc., sitting is the one thing the spine wasn't designed to do and one of the leading reasons people visit a chiropractor. The most important piece of advice while sitting is to be sure there is always proper lumbar support on the lower back, and this induces driving. Adequate lumber will help the back maintain the natural curvature of the spine and also aid in keeping the shoulders from slumping forward. Additionally, the height of your chair should be adjusted to keep your knees bent at their anatomically correct 90-degree angle. Stand-up desks have become popular for breaking up long periods of sitting. However, standing should be limited to about 30 minutes at a time to help prevent fatigue.

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3) Laying Down

Whether lying in bed, relaxing at the beach, or sacking out on the couch, you should always pay attention to your position to avoid placing excess strain on your spine. While sleeping on your back is best, according to research, less than 10 percent of the population chooses this option. To keep the spine properly aligned in a neutral position, prop pillows behind your back and under your knees. Most important, avoid lying with your head bent at an unnatural angle that places undue strain on your neck and shoulders.

Gravity is an unrelenting fact of life that places constant pressure on the entire skeletal-muscular system. However, good posture can reduce strain on the soft tissues that support the skeleton system. If you have been experiencing back pain and are thinking about visiting a chiropractor, give our Brookfield WI, New Berlin WI, or Williams Bay WI office a call. We can help you find ways to improve your posture and provide the back pain relief you seek.