We aren’t always completely aware of our back posture. In fact, because sitting and standing come as natural, everyday occurrences, we often can’t tell if we’ve caused any strain to our back until we experience symptoms, such as pain or discomfort.
Long-term effects of bad back posture can severely impair our quality of life, and can even lead to chronic pain, spine misalignment, spinal conditions and decreased mobility and flexibility. This is why it’s best to be mindful of our back posture and correct it early. There are several signs that may indicate you have poor back posture, and here are 5 common ones, as advised by a spine surgeon.
1. Pain or discomfort
Pain or discomfort in your back, neck, or shoulder may indicate poor posture. This is caused by stress and strain on the muscles, joints and tissues in the area.
When the body is in a misaligned position for extended periods of time, certain muscles become overworked while others become underused, leading to muscle imbalances and tension. This can result in pain, discomfort, and inflammation in the affected areas.
For example, if you have a tendency to slouch or hunch forward, the muscles in your upper back and neck may become tight, while the muscles in your lower back may become weak. This can lead to pain and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as a decreased ability to support your spine in a healthy, neutral position.
2. Muscle imbalances
If you notice more muscle mass in one part of your body than the other, you may have bad back posture. When some parts of the muscles are overworked, and others are underused, it leads to an imbalance in the strength and function of the muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders.
3. Changes in the way you walk
Your gait, or the way you walk, can be affected by poor posture. If you have bad back posture, you may notice that you walk with your head and shoulders leaning forward, or with a pronounced sway in your lower back.
4. Feeling tired easily
Poor posture can cause fatigue, as your muscles have to work harder to maintain your balance and support your body.
Fatigue can indicate bad back posture because when your body is in a misaligned position, your muscles have to work harder to maintain your balance and support your body. This can lead to increased muscle tension and fatigue, especially if you maintain poor posture for extended periods of time.
5. Visual cues
You can also assess your posture by looking in a mirror or asking someone to take a photo of you from the side. A good test is to stand with your back against a wall, making sure that your head, shoulders, and hips are touching the wall. If you have good posture, there should be no gap between your lower back and the wall.
Consult your spine specialist
If you suspect you have poor back posture, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Over time, poor posture can lead to more serious problems, such as chronic pain, headaches, arthritis, and spinal degeneration.
Pay attention to your body. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort, please consult your spine specialist for a thorough diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.