Effects of Bad Posture

It's common knowledge that bad posture (also referred to as poor posture) can have a negative effect on health, but how so?

Bad posture can stress the spine and the neck, and strain the muscles around the vertebrae.

Eventually, the anatomy of the spine might actually be changed - such as curvature of the spine (changing the shape from the natural 'S' shape to a less natural 'C' shape) - with the possibility of long-term damage to joints, discs and muscles, as well as constriction of nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms that might be felt include back and neck pains, headache, fatigue and, potentially, even breathing issues. In extreme cases bad posture can even lead to internal organ damage by restricting the blood supply to these areas.

Another, less obvious effect, of bad posture can be confidence - people who walk straighter and sit straighter automatically project authority and confidence. Thereore, those who slouch send out the opposite signals and quite often end up acting and feeling the way they look.  

Of course, visiting a qualified physician or other suitably qualified healthcare professional should help to diagnose the posture problem.

Fixing the posture problem can take time and might include one or a combination of options such as postural exercise, spine and muscle manipulation or using a posture support device.