Summary
Read the full fact sheet- The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly.
- Suggestions to improve your posture include regular exercise and stretching, ergonomic furniture and paying attention to the way your body feels.
- See your physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or Alexander technique teacher for further information and advice.
On this page
- Symptoms of poor posture
- Postural mechanisms
- Two types of muscle fibres
- Muscle strength and length
- Nervous system feedback on the body’s position in space
- Listen to your body
- Improve your general posture
- Maintain good posture
- Where to get help
- Things to remember
If you want an example of good posture, just look at a young child – their back shows a graceful ‘S’ curve and their movements are easy and effortless. As we get older, bad habits such as slouching and inactivity cause muscle fatigue and tension that ultimately lead to poor posture. The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly.
You can improve your posture and spinal health by making a few lifestyle adjustments. See your doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or Alexander technique teacher for further information and advice.
Symptoms of poor posture
Symptoms can include:
- Rounded shoulders
- Potbelly
- Bent knees when standing or walking
- Head that either leans forward or backward
- Back pain
- Body aches and pains
- Muscle fatigue
- Headache.
Postural mechanisms
Poor posture interferes with a number of the body’s postural mechanisms including:
- 'Slow twitch' and 'fast twitch' muscle fibres
- Muscle strength and length
- Nervous system feedback on the body’s position in space.
Two types of muscle fibres
Skeletal muscle is made up of two types of muscle fibre – static (often called 'slow twitch') and phasic (often called 'fast twitch'). Generally, static muscle fibres are found in the deeper muscle layers. They help us to maintain posture without too much effort and contribute to balance by ‘sensing’ our position and relaying this information to the brain. Phasic muscle fibres are used for movement and activity.
Static fibres burn energy slowly and can keep working for a long time without tiring. However, phasic fibres quickly run out of steam. Poor posture causes muscle fatigue because it calls on the phasic fibres instead of static fibres to maintain the body’s position.
Muscle strength and length
Over time, poor posture that demands support from phasic fibres causes the deeper supporting muscles to waste away from lack of use. Weak, unused muscles tend to tighten and this shortening of muscle length can compact the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and worsen posture.
Nervous system feedback on the body’s position in space
The deeper layers of muscle are concerned with ‘sensing’ our position in space and relaying this information to the brain. If this function is taken over by muscles that mainly contain phasic fibres, the brain gets an incomplete picture. The brain assumes that the body needs to be propped up to counteract the effects of gravity, so it triggers further muscle contraction. This adds to the general fatigue and pain felt by the person with poor posture.
Listen to your body
Good posture feels effortless, which is why traditional ‘good posture’ suggestions like throwing your shoulders back and sticking out your chest may feel uncomfortable too. Instead, listen to your body. Make minor adjustments while standing and sitting. Which position feels the easiest and most graceful?
In most cases, concentrating on other tasks (such as work) can direct attention away from any feelings of physical discomfort. Get into the habit of regularly tuning in to your body. If you feel muscle tension or fatigue, move into another position.
Improve your general posture
Suggestions include:
- Remember the rule of ‘curve reversal’ – for example, if you’ve been leaning over your desk, stretch back the other way.
- Perform stretching exercises two or three times a week to boost muscle flexibility.
- Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and tone.
- Stretch your neck muscles regularly by turning your head from one side to another.
- Your abdominal muscles support your lower back, so make sure they are in good condition. Do ‘abdominal crunches’ (lie on your back and curl your ribcage and pelvis as close together as possible) rather than straight-backed sit-ups (which exercise the muscles of the hips and thighs).
- Avoid standing on one foot for long periods of time.
- Cross your legs at the ankle, rather than the knee.
Maintain good posture
Suggestions include:
- Avoid sitting in soft, squashy chairs.
- Use lumbar rolls to support your lower back when sitting in regular chairs or driving the car.
- Switch to ergonomic chairs in the office or for any activity that requires you to sit for long periods of time.
- Make sure your mattress is supportive enough to keep your spine straight when lying on your side.
- Use a pillow that supports your neck.
- Keep your back straight and use your thigh muscles when lifting heavy weights.
Where to get help
- Physiotherapist
- Alexander technique teacher
- Osteopath
- Chiropractor
Things to remember
- The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly.
- Suggestions to improve your posture include regular exercise and stretching, ergonomic furniture and paying attention to the way your body feels.
- See your physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or Alexander technique teacher for further information and advice.
- Patient information, Australian Physiotherapy Association. More information here.
- Postural mechanisms, Alexander Technique Education, Australia. More information here.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
More information
Related information
- Abdominal muscles
The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure.
- Acromegaly
Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormone in adults, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands, feet and internal organs.
- Ageing - muscles bones and joints
Exercise can prevent age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints and can reverse these changes too.
- Amyloidosis
A person with amyloidosis produces aggregates of insoluble protein that cannot be eliminated from the body.
- Ankle sprains
Ankle sprain is a common sports injuries caused by overstretching and tearing the supporting ligaments.
From other websites
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circ*mstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Healthshall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 31-08-2015
