Whether you’re a student, office worker, construction worker, or retiree, your posture can affect your day to day life. Incorrect posture can put strain on your muscles, which over time can show up as tightness and pain and even restrict your flexibility. Left untreated, poor posture can even lead to chronic health issues including scoliosis, disc irritation, and arthritic changes. The good news: You can adjust your posture with the help of a qualified chiropractor.
This blog explains how a chiropractor can assist in changing your posture, helping you to feel and move better throughout your daily life. For further information or to book an appointment, contact our team at Atlas Chiropractic today.
How Can a Chiropractor Fix My Posture?
Chiropractors can fix your posture using a wide variety of techniques. Your chiropractor will conduct an assessment of your posture, and then tailor your treatment by selecting the technique/s that best suit your body and needs.
Taking Your Case History
Firstly, your chiropractor will take a thorough case history. This includes asking you a lot of questions about your day to day life, such as what you do with the majority of your time. They’ll ask how you move about your day, for example if you sit at a desk for eight hours or spend much of the day on your feet. Your chiropractor will also ask about what you do in your spare time, whether you exercise, and if so, which type/s and how often. Through these questions and answers they can begin to determine what may be the contributing factors towards your poor posture.
Examining Your Posture
Your chiropractor will then review your:
- Stance (how you stand)
- Gait (how you walk)
- Head and neck posture (for example, whether you tilt your head downwards)
- Knee alignment (whether they turn in or out or somewhere in the middle)
- Hip level (to see if one hip is higher than another)
- Shoulder height (whether they are even and/or roll in or out)
- Pelvis tilt (how your pelvis sits in relation to the rest of your body)
In addition to these assessments, your chiropractor may perform range of motion and flexibility tests, orthopaedic and neurological testing, or tests to assess your muscle strength and length.
Making Adjustments
For the adjustment itself, your chiropractor will have you lie or sit in a comfortable position. They will then move your body using their hands in controlled motions to realign your spine. These joint movements help to release tension and increase your ability to move freely. The movements themselves are gentle and shouldn’t cause pain. You may feel slight discomfort or hear a popping noise, which is completely normal.
Your chiropractor may also work with your muscles, using massage and/or stretching to relieve tight muscles. Tight muscles and muscular pain can impact your bones and joints, placing added pressure on your spine and increasing your chance of postural problems. With relaxed muscles, it will be easier to find your ‘neutral spine’ which is the optimal way for your spine to rest. With this, you will be able to find the correct posture for your body and maintain it throughout your day.
Providing Education
Once your chiropractor has helped you into your correct alignment, they want it to stay that way! Your chiropractor will advise you on how to retain your neutral spine by giving you information on the best way to sit, lie, and even sleep. They are also well-versed in ergonomics, so if you are at a desk most of the day, your chiropractor can advise you on the best way to set up your office space to keep your posture at its best.
Looking For a Chiropractor in Northcote or Fitzroy North?
If you’re struggling with your posture— as many of us do— we understand what you’re going through and want to help you feel your best. At Atlas Chiropractic we are located in Fitzroy North, serving residents in Abbotsford, Alphington, Brunswick, Carlton, Clifton Hill, Coburg, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fairfield, Flemington, Ivanhoe, Kew, Northcote, North Melbourne, Parkville, Preston, Richmond, Thornbury & surrounding suburbs.