The goal of good posture is to minimize bad stress and to maximize movement. So managing gravity better to unload the unnecessary spinal stressors most people endure… and aligning the spine such that the joints come together like well-oiled gears are the desired outcomes.
Good news: Your posture from the hips up, should remain the same in both the standing and the seated positions. So let’s get to it…
From the standing position… we will start from the floor up. Position your feet approximately parallel to one another, and far enough apart so that your hips, knees and ankles are in a straight line, perpendicular to the floor.
Now, bring your weight forward to the balls of your feet and unlock your knees. This is not bending your knees, it is just unlocking them so that the muscles on the front of your thighs are engaged and pulling your kneecaps upward. With your weight forward in the balls of your feet and your knees unlocked, you should easily be able to lift up your heels on cue.
Next, and vitally important to all normal, spinal posturing… engage your core, that is, squeeze your abs to stabilize your lower back. As always, this is the great mechanical stabilizer, that builds the ideal alignment and allows for the most secure body movement.
Finally, perform a posture reset, wherein you squeeze your shoulders, and then your neck and head backwards for one long second… then relax slowly, so that your shoulders and head align back and upright over your body. See our video on the “posture reset” for more details. From this alignment, you should feel your body weight through the balls of your feet; be able to lift up your heels without much effort; feel solid in your center due to core stabilization of your lower back; and have your head and shoulders positioned over your body, supported by bone structure, rather than the easily fatigued muscles behind your neck and between your shoulder blades.
Transitioning to the seated position should not change the alignment from your hips to your head. Core stabilization of your lower back is the key to making this happen.
That’s it! You now know how to position your body with the lowest gravitational stress load, and the greatest spinal range of motion.
Remember, when your alignment is less than perfect and/or you have suffered recent injury, joints get stuck, soft tissues have memory for what doesn’t work, and we can help.
Contact us at New Back Chiropractic today. We can help you move better to feel better for life.
If you suffer from back pain and neck pain more than you would like, take these three simple steps to move better, feel better, and enjoy life better:
- Schedule: reserve a 30 minute consultation with the doctor.
- Discovery: receive an examination with any necessary digital x-rays to find a solution for lasting relief.
- Relief: start moving better and feeling better for life!
In addition to these exercises, chiropractic care from New Back Chiropractic in Santa Ana can help re-establish your middle back to a more flexible and stable place. The result is a body that moves better, feels better, and enjoys life better. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation and start feeling better today!
Schedule A Consultation