3 Surprising Effects of Bad Posture on Your Body

Growing up, your parents probably reminded you to sit up straight and stop slouching when standing up. Of course, you did so begrudgingly, but face it, you're glad you did. After all, having bad posture that's not corrected can eventually lead to serious side effects.

 

Over time, slouching can alter the shape of a person's spine. When this happens, the spine, which is built to maintain proper balance and absorb shock, is completely compromised. It will no longer function as it should. Aside from back pain, here are other negative effects bad posture can cause.

Poor Digestion

If you have a desk job in an office, you know how easy it is to let your neck and shoulders slouch over your abdomen and chest. But, it's crucial that you try your best to keep your back straight every time, especially after eating.

 

Sitting improperly compresses your organs, including your digestive tract. Eventually, this affects your metabolism and ability to process food correctly. As a result, you're more likely to feel constipated. This can also trigger acid reflux. Both can hamper your ability to be productive throughout the day. 

Fatigue

As said earlier, poor posture adds tension to structures that aren't meant to bear that much weight. The strains tend to build up and wear down your bones, joints, ligaments. Also, your neck, back, and shoulder muscles are forced to contract just to support your head and spine in that strained position. Overworking them means your body exerts more energy, which will eventually lead to fatigue.

Inefficient Breathing

To breathe properly, your diaphragm needs to have enough space in your thoracic cavity to contract and release efficiently with each breath. This can only happen when your body is properly aligned.

 

Additionally, poor posture limits your diaphragm's workspace, which reduces the air you take in. This limits the amount of oxygen you get, which is essential for your body to rejuvenate your cells.

 

Although correcting poor posture and treating the negative effects it causes can be hard, it's never too late to seek help from orthopedic doctors in Suffolk County, NY. They'll customize a program of exercises and stretches to improve your flexibility and core muscle strength. These remedies will help you cope or even get rid of your problems completely.