Today we spend an increased amount of time sitting in front of computers or looking down at our phones. It is more common than uncommon for people to have moderate to severe posture problems than ever before. Below are five of the most common posture problems, as well as how to identify and prevent them in your own body.
Flat Feet
Over-pronation, also known as having flat feet, is common in people who have flexible feet. The arch collapses upon weight bearing during the walking process. Over-pronation can be treated relatively easily with the use of over the counter or customized orthotics. Footwear should be examined as well, to determine that shoes are fitting properly.
Forward Hip Tilt
A very common posture problem in those who spend a lot of time sitting, this involves the hips tilting forward and the buttocks sticking out. In order to reverse forward hip tilt, glutes and hamstrings should be strengthened through daily activity and quad muscles should be stretched daily as well.
Hunchback
Another common posture problem stemming from lots of sitting in an office chair all day, hunchback can result in neck, lower back and even arm and leg pain. In order to prevent this, there are a handful of exercises you can perform when you visit the gym before or after work.
Forward Head
Thanks to prolonged computer use, television watching or incorrect sleeping positions, forward head is another common posture problem. There are a number of simple head posture exercises that can be done, including standing straight with your back against a wall for a minute a day and performing frequent should blade squeezes, among others.
The bad news is that the more our lives involve and rely on technology, the more prone we are to posture problems. The good news is, many of these problems are preventable and reversible with common exercise. In more severe cases, chiropractic care is encouraged and highly recommended.