The concept of perfect posture has certainly changed over the years. Decades ago (or not so long ago), people thought that an erect and rigid military posture: shoulders back, chest pushed out and chin up was the way to go. Then there are those of us that have seen pictures or may have been the recipient of teachers attempting to get students to balance a book on their heads while they paraded around a room. I have always wondered what happens if we need to turn around quickly or change positions. Hmmm……….driving could get interesting. But both of these premises were definitely going in the right direction – if only for aesthetic purposes.

What do people consider good posture today? In fact, it seems to be “cool” to have the “slouched” look. All we need to do is look at ads for clothing and other products in magazines and TV and what we see is the sloppy look. As a whole, we seem to have relaxed our attitudes or shoulders these days. With so many people slumping over their computers or game stations, it is no wonder that posture has truly become a physical issue with associated musculoskeletal complaints such as a sore neck, mid-back and/or lower back ache or pain.

Most people have postural deficiencies, consisting of primarily of “rounded shoulders and forward head carriage.” But first it is important to understand body awareness, proper body mechanics and what exercises are specific to postural issues. It is important to keep in mind that posture applies to alignment in other positions besides standing. It applies to how we are seated at our desk or dinner table, picking up a bag of groceries or a child or doing a tricep kick back or squat at the gym.

Of course, everyone is different. There is a general prescription for better posture. However, we need to look at each of us individually because there may be structural (skeletal) differences that would need to be addressed and with these differences postural changes would need to be modified according to any underlying differences.

The skeletal system is the foundation for the body and the muscles, ligaments and tendons give the skeleton its structural integrity. Poor postural habits can establish faulty movement patterns that can create dysfunction in our musculoskeletal system that can lead to injury. Not only can neck and shoulder problems result from poor posture, it can, also, affect upper extremities, mid-back, lower back, lower extremities and foot alignment.

Here at FirstHealth of Andover our staff of personal trainers can evaluate and help you with postural awareness. Once you have been evaluated and it has been determined that there isn't any underlying structural changes, a program will be developed specifically for you.

- Donna Schneider, BS, PFT, CEAS, CES