It really is! Not only does good posture benefit your spine health, but it does lots of other good things for your body, including improving lung capacity and blood flow.

Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team highlights some ways you can work to achieve good posture even if you work from home, so read on!

What Does Good Posture Look Like?

Good posture is also known as a neutral spine. When you have good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and supporting the body equally.

Not only can good posture be achieved when you’re standing (standing up straight, aligning your shoulders with your hips), but when you’re sitting as well. When you’re sitting, your feet should rest flat on the floor with even weight on both hips. Your back should be mostly straight, your shoulders should be back but relaxed, and your ears should line up over your collarbones. This may feel like a lot to remember, but practice makes perfect!

Negative Effects of Poor Posture

• Spine curvature
• Back pain
• Neck pain and headaches
• Poor sleep
• Disrupted digestion
• Lack of motivation

Can I Improve My Sitting Posture?

Yes, you can! Because many of us are sitting so much of the day, it can be easy to fall into bad posture habits, such as slouching.

However, there are ways you can reverse those bad habits and keep your spine and body healthier for longer! We’ve listed some good posture tips below.

Ways to Improve Posture When Sitting

• Switch sitting positions often.
• Make sure that your feet touch the floor or use a footrest.
• Relax your shoulders; they should not be rounded or pulled backward.
• Make sure that your back is fully supported. Use a back pillow or other back support if your chair does not have a backrest that can support your lower back’s curve.
• Make sure that your thighs and hips are supported. You should have a well-padded seat, and your thighs and hips should be parallel to the floor.

Posture is important! If you have other posture-related questions or need general medical care, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville today.