Chiropractic Treatment: Can It Fix Bad Posture?

Did you know that about 16% of the Australian population suffered back problems from 2017 to 2018? That number continues to increase today and one of the main culprits is bad posture. As such, the need for chiropractic solutions to correct posture problems has been on the rise in recent years. The question remains, is it effective? Let’s dive into more of this below.

What Happens if You Have Bad Posture?

Adapting poor posture for long periods of time can result in a myriad of problems that may get worse over time. In contrast, correct posture improves physical well-being, promoting good bone, muscle, organ, and nervous system health.

Before elaborating on how to fix posture problems through chiropractic treatment and whether it’s effective, let’s first look at what poor posture does to your body.

Back Pain

Incorrect posture can cause uneven distribution of weight on your spine, causing the lower back tissues to weaken. This pushes the complex network of joints, muscles, and discs in your back to their limit which results in pain.

Chronic Diseases

Adapting poor posture for long periods of time causes the body to stay in unhealthy positions. This can lead to chronic diseases including nerve inflammation, scoliosis, arthritic changes, and disc irritation, some of which can be prevented by improving posture.

Neck Pain

This happens when the ligaments and muscles supporting the neck become strained through bad posture. If left untreated, it can also result in injury over time.

Restricted Movement

Increased back, neck, head, hip, and knee pain caused by incorrect posture can worsen over time. If it gets to a point where it becomes debilitating, it can also restrict movement and decrease flexibility.

Chiropractic Treatment Vs. Poor Posture

Can a chiropractor fix posture problems? The short answer to this is yes. Chiropractors have done wonders in improving many postural problems, including scoliosis, uneven hips and pelvis, head posture, and the like.

Since posture problems can’t be solved through a one-size-fits-all approach, chiropractic treatment is a much-needed service that provides tailored solutions. And through a holistic approach that includes initial treatment and long-term management plans, you can successfully correct and maintain good posture.

How Chiropractors Fix Bad Posture

After examining the spine and joints to determine the problem, chiropractors help improve posture by using adjustment methods to realign the spine. Hands are their primary tools in inducing movement to stiff joints to release pain and tension. However, they may also use handheld instruments depending on the type of treatment needed.

Here’s a more detailed process on what you can expect during a consultation:

• Interview - Your chiropractor will get to know you first by asking a series of questions to assess factors that may be contributing to your poor posture. Questions they ask can range from your lifestyle habits, exercise routines, your type of work, and where you feel pain. A physical examination of your back will follow.
• Physical Examination - Next, your chiropractor will take a closer look at your posture and figure out the exact problem. This will involve a hands-on look. They will also assess how you stand, taking note of your shoulder alignment and any signs of other symmetry issues.
• Adjustments - Here’s where the loud cracking noises come in but don’t worry, it’s nothing to be afraid of. The process is gentle and only causes minimal discomfort. Adjustments are typically made first to your shoulders by facilitating slow joint movements, releasing tension in the surrounding muscles, and easing you into good posture. They also perform spinal adjustments by using controlled force to realign your neck and spine, correcting symmetry issues.
• Muscle Work - Chiropractors are often only associated with spine and posture care but muscle care is equally important in correcting posture. Weak or injured muscles become tense, pulling the shoulders and spine into unhealthy positions.With chiropractic treatment, you can release muscle tension and strengthen it to correct soft tissue imbalance. This will help you move more comfortably and maintain good posture while standing or sitting down.
• Stretching and Rehabilitation - Correcting bad posture involves adjustments and muscle rehabilitation. But strengthening weak muscles is only possible if you reduce tension in muscles causing poor posture. This can be achieved through regular, deliberate stretching exercises that promote muscle relaxation.If done correctly over time, you will ease the tension that causes incorrect posture. Weaker muscles also become stronger, helping you maintain correct posture for good.
• Education - Once your poor posture is corrected, your chiropractor will educate you on the correct posture for daily activities like sleeping, sitting, and walking. They may also provide tips for your home or office spaces to ensure it is set up in an ergonomic manner that facilitates correct posture.

Chiropractic-Approved Exercises to Improve Posture

Chiropractic care will often involve regular exercises apart from spinal adjustments and physiotherapy to help maintain good posture in the long run. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your posture, here are some common exercises prescribed by chiropractors that can help.

Core Exercises

These types of exercises help to strengthen the core and alleviate symptoms caused by poor lower back posture. It can also help to stabilise your lower back and hips.

Lower Body Stretches

Stretching can help to greatly improve your flexibility and avoid injury. Hip and glute stretches, Child’s pose, and hamstring stretches are some common lower body stretches you can do to improve posture. Do these every day to release tension from a tight lower back.

Upper Body Stretches and Chin Tucks

Chin tucks are great for individuals who suffer from the effects of significant forward head carriage. By doing this exercise, you can strengthen the weak deeper neck muscles that contribute to bad posture.

You can also do pectoral stretches to help improve forward head carriage and forward rolling shoulders. These are designed to stretch out tight chest muscles that may be pulling your shoulders forward.

Posture Pole

Cut a long foam roller in half and lay on it for 15 minutes with your arms stretched out and your palms facing up. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Make sure that the pole is aligned with your spine and that it supports your head and tailbone.

The main function of a posture pole is to help open up your chest and upper back. It will also realign your head and shoulders to a position.

Chiropractic Treatment for Poor Posture

Chiropractic treatment in Sydney can do wonders in improving and correcting bad posture. But you should also keep in mind that it won’t be fixed overnight. Rest assured, however, that with proper care and commitment on your part, you will be seeing improvements soon enough.

If you are suffering from the debilitating effects of poor posture, it’s time to make an appointment with us. Contact us for any enquiries you may have or visit our chiropractic clinic in the inner west. As one of Sydney’s chiropractic clinics, we provide a holistic approach that is centred on achieving results.