09 10 月 The truth about posture: Does perfect posture truly exist?
You may have heard or been told to “sit up straight” or “stop slouching or else you’ll be a hunchback” at some point in our lives. Whether it’s from a friend, family member or teacher this has been ingrained in our minds since forever. What if I told you that research is challenging this long standing idea and that maybe we being in this perfect posture may not be what we need to always aim for.
So what’s the truth? Is poor posture causing your pain and does perfect posture even exist?
Let’s get into it.
First: What Is Posture, Really?
Posture is basically how your body sits or stands — whether you’re on your feet, sitting, or lying down. The traditional belief is to keep a “neutral spine,” with your shoulders back, head straight, and hips in line. While this might look great on a diagram, it’s not always the most comfortable or practical position for everyone.
Is There Such a Thing as Perfect Posture?
Short answer: No. Not in the way most people think.
Modern research shows that there is no universally “correct” posture that prevents pain or injury across all people. In fact, posture is highly individual, and your body thrives more on movement variety than any fixed position.
Research shows that there is no universal “correct” posture that prevents pain or injury for all people. A systematic review in 2016 in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders revealed that there is no strong association between ‘poor’ posture and lower back pain. It was shown that pain is more likely due to an underlying issue such as:
- Lack of movement
- Reduced strength
- Lifestyle factors outside of work e.g. stress, sleep, diet, etc
This means that there may be multiple factors contributing to why you feel sore when sitting for long periods, and it isn’t just poor posture.
So Why Do Some People Hurt When They Sit or Stand “Wrong”?
It’s not necessarily the posture, but probably more about how long you’ve been in it.
Staying in any one position for too long, even a “good” one, can lead to discomfort. Our bodies are designed for movement, not being stationary. Instead of chasing perfect posture, we recommend:
- Postural variety: change positions regularly. It’s okay to be restless
- Microbreaks: stand, stretch, or move every 30-45 minutes.
- Get a drink of water
- Go annoy your colleagues
- Maybe get a snack
- Make an excuse to move around!
What Should You Do Instead?
- Move often: Switch between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day.
- Get strong: A strong core and back provide support no matter how you sit or stand.
- Pay attention to discomfort: Pain is your body’s signal to change something and not always a sign of damage.
- Get assessed individually: If you’re experiencing recurring pain, our team can evaluate your posture, habits, and movement to tailor a plan.
- Reflect: Has life been stressful? Am I getting enough sleep? What about the food I eat? Arguably these are the most important factors that we need to work on as these will impact on how we feel.
How We Can Help
At Sun Chiropractic, we take a modern, evidence-based approach to posture. We don’t lecture patients about sitting “perfectly”. We will work together to address what you need whether it’s building strength, improving mobility or getting a better understanding of how your body works.
Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, back tightness, or want to improve your desk setup, we’re here to help.
Book a Posture & Movement Assessment
Schedule a consultation with our Chiropractor or Physiotherapist today! 🙂