Is there such a thing as ideal posture?
Good posture is often associated with health, confidence, and professionalism. We're told from a young age to sit up straight, keep our shoulders back, and chin up. However, what does it mean to have good posture? Is there such a thing as "perfect" posture? And is it really necessary for our overall health and well-being? In this blog, we'll explore these questions and look at some of the latest research on good posture.
What is good posture?
Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of the body in relation to gravity. Good posture typically involves maintaining a neutral spine, where the three natural curves of the spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) are in their optimal alignment. This alignment helps distribute the weight of the body evenly and reduces the risk of injury or strain on the muscles and joints. Good posture also involves keeping the shoulders relaxed and the chin level, with the ears over the shoulders.
Is there such a thing as "perfect" posture?
While there is a general consensus on what constitutes good posture, there is no such thing as "perfect" posture. The human body is complex, and everyone's anatomy is slightly different. What may be comfortable and natural for one person may not be for another. Additionally, our posture can be influenced by many factors, such as the type of work we do, our lifestyle habits, and any existing medical conditions.
That said, there are some general guidelines that can help improve posture for most people. For example, maintaining a neutral spine and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing in one position can help reduce the risk of developing postural imbalances.
Is good posture really necessary for our health?
While good posture is often associated with health and well-being, the evidence on its benefits is mixed. Some studies have suggested that good posture can reduce the risk of back pain and other musculoskeletal problems. For example, a 2016 review of 29 studies found that there was moderate-quality evidence to support the use of postural interventions for the prevention and treatment of low back pain (1).
Other studies, however, have failed to find a strong link between posture and health outcomes. For example, a 2018 study found that there was no significant association between sitting posture and back pain among a group of office workers (2).
It's worth noting that good posture is just one factor that can affect our overall health and well-being. Other factors, such as exercise, nutrition, and stress management, also play a critical role. Plus, every individual and their body is different - some people will have no issues sitting for long periods, and others will be far happier with a job that allows them to move. One thing worth considering if you’re concerned about posture, is what kind of position or movement your body is doing during the day, and whether your chosen form of exercise(s) helps to complement or counteract this. If you spend all day seated and hunched, then maybe cycling isn’t giving your body the break it craves to open up and stretch. If you are on your feet all day covering plenty of steps but not gaining any strength, then maybe some weights at the gym would be more beneficial than walking the lake. Having plenty of balance and variety across your week is a great place to start.
If you have any concerns about your own or your child’s posture, be sure to ask one of practitioners next time you in the clinic.
References:
Saragiotto BT, Maher CG, Yamato TP, Costa LOP, Menezes Costa LC, Ostelo RWJG, Macedo LG. Motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jan 8;2:CD012004. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012004.
O'Sullivan K, O'Sullivan L, O'Sullivan P, Dankaerts W. What do physiotherapists consider to be the best sitting spinal posture? Man Ther. 2018 Apr;30:30-35. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2017.07.002. Epub 2017 Jul 14. PMID: 28764897.