Many people think that posture is the cause of neck pain, but is it really?

What we must first understand and recognize is that there is NO “ideal” or “perfect” posture. The old textbook ideals just do not fit anyone. Never once have I ever witnessed “textbook” posture even when a person tries. Idealized posture is not a reality and thus is not to be worried about.

So why then is it commonly stated that poor posture causes neck pain?

Because it is easy to blame posture. Everyone wants to be able to place blame on something and posture is as easy as anything else, plus it is the easy way out for any health professional. Meaning, say it is posture and avoiding deep diving the other issue more likely to be the source.

But my posture really is not good…

Well that may be true, BUT it isn’t that any person sits in a particular posture…only that they remain there hour after hour, day after day. It is the LACK OF MOVEMENT that is more problematic than any one posture. A colleague once said “your best posture is your next posture.” Meaning, frequent moving of the body (neck), it GOOD and likely to have reduce pain or avoid onset altogether.

Bottom line…it is ok to work at a computer, to read your tablet, to check out social media on your phone. However, it is advised to just not stay in any one position or posture for too long. The best way to do this is to set a timer and then get up and move once it goes off. Or better still, make time in your daily/weekly routine to regularly exercise. Make sure to spend time on the back muscles not just the front. This will help to maintain good muscle balance and keep your body feeling good.

So…don’t fret posture. But if you are concerned, there are any number of great exercises and/or treatment options to solve the problem.

Interested in more information? If so, then click the LINK and request a FREE phone consult to discuss your concerns and get an action plan to eliminate neck pain for good.