If you have back pain, neck pain, or other types of bodily discomfort, the cause could be a result of poor posture. Slouching or slumping when you stand or sit, lean over a computer, look down at your phone, or carry a heavy bag on one shoulder can cause misalignment in the spine, affecting its natural curves. In turn, you could experience a host of ailments. The following guide outlines how posture problems impact your health.

How Bad Posture Affects Your Health 

1. Headaches

Poor posture can increase muscle tension and put pressure on the nerves at the base of the head and in your neck. As a result, you may experience headaches, as well as shoulder, back, and neck pain. These issues are most common when you consistently lean or tilt your head forward, such as when looking down at a cellphone. Keeping your head aligned over the spine can prevent this from occurring.

2. Poor Digestion

Spending too much time sitting isn't good for your health in general, but when you add poor posture to the equation, the effects are magnified. Slouching in a chair puts additional pressure on the abdomen, constricting the digestive organs. Over time, the constant compression can affect your ability to properly digest food, which can lead to constipation, poor nutrient absorption, and digestive discomforts—like heartburn. 

3. Reduced Lung Function 

Another abdominal organ that can be affected by poor posture is the diaphragm. Slouching and slumping can flatten this organ and keep it from rising when you breathe. In turn, it can reduce lung capacity and function. This deprives your body of essential oxygen, which can impact your heart and brain. Over time, the lack of oxygen can also contribute to cardiovascular disease. 

4. High Blood Pressure

Many people don't realize that neck pain and stiffness caused by poor posture can contribute to high blood pressure. As blood flows through your body, nerve cells in the neck help guide circulation, directing the transfer of blood to different parts of the body when you change position. However, poor posture can affect the development and function of these cells, creating a risk for high blood pressure, in addition to causing neck pain. 

5. Pinched Nerves 

Long periods with poor posture can cause spinal misalignment. As a result, the spinal bones will shift position and put pressure on nerves, causing pain and discomfort. While pinched nerves often cause back and neck pain, they can also lead to pain in other parts of the body, and you may not realize it's related to bad posture.

If poor posture has affected your spinal alignment and is causing problems like back and neck pain, make an appointment at Farrell Chiropractic Clinic in Princeton, IL. These chiropractors have more than seven decades of combined experience. They will use a variety of treatments and techniques to help you improve your posture and find relief from bodily discomfort. Visit the website to learn more, or call (815) 875-4408 to schedule an appointment.