Healthy living is a priority for many people today. Hours are spent at the gym and extra dollars are spent at the grocery store in an attempt to sculpt the best version of yourself. However, even with all the time and money spent on looking and feeling good, many people overlook one of the key ingredients to health and wellness — good posture. Poor posture has been proven to cause pain in the back and neck, and this pain negatively affects both physical and emotional well being. Fortunately, poor posture can be corrected if given the proper attention.
Strengthen Your Core: One common factor in poor posture is weak core muscles in the stomach. According to Harvard Health publications, weak core muscles lead to slouching. This puts strain on the spine and affects your breathing as well. Regularly doing sit-ups and other core strengthening exercises can help to keep your silhouette trim and your back and neck aligned.
Sleep in the Correct Position: According to an article published by UCLA, sleeping on your back or your side is the best for the spine. Try to avoid sleeping on the stomach because it does not allow the spine to enter a neutral position and puts strain on your back, neck, joints and muscles. Additional ways that help to improve sleeping position are the right mattress and pillow, and stretching before and after sleep.
Wear Supportive Footwear: Shoes provide protection for the feet, but they also play a major role in posture. The curves in the feet support the slight curve in your back. Proper footwear provides the right support for your feet to encourage the correct standing and walking position. If supportive footwear is not worn, over time, damage and pain may be caused to the spine, resulting in poor posture.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy helps to loosen and relax the muscles that have been made tight and sore by poor posture. This allows the body to position itself in its natural and pain-free posture. With ongoing massage, the muscles are loosened and relaxed, joints have greater freedom and pressure points are relieved. This allows the body to position itself in a healthy and natural way, therefore avoiding the movements and positions developed over time as a reaction to the pain. FBN
By Mark Love
For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist or esthetician, visit massageenvy.com, call (928) 526-ENVY (3689), or visit one of Arizona’s 39 Massage Envy locations. The Prescott location is at 120 E. Sheldon St in the Depot Marketplace Complex.
Mark Love is co-owner of Massage Envy Arizona. For more information on the benefits of massage, visit MassageEnvy.com.
