Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When people think about good posture, they often picture sitting perfectly straight with their shoulders back.
But good posture isn’t about holding one “perfect” position all day. Your body was designed to move, and even a good position can become uncomfortable if you stay there long enough.
A better way to think about posture is to reduce unnecessary stress on your body while regularly changing positions throughout the day.
This is also one of the simple Healthy Habits for Better Health.
Why Does Posture Matter?
Your head, arms and upper body place different demands on your muscles and joints depending on how you position yourself.
For example, working for hours with your head forward toward a computer screen may fatigue the muscles around your neck and shoulders. Sitting for long periods can also leave your low back and hips feeling stiff.
That doesn’t mean slouching occasionally is harmful or that you need to constantly correct your posture.
How long you stay in a position often matters as much as the position itself.
This is why someone can have a seemingly “good” sitting posture and still become uncomfortable after several hours.
Simple Ways to Use Better Positions
You don’t need to obsess about posture. Instead, pay attention to the positions you spend the most time in.
A few simple changes can help:
- Bring your screen toward you. Position your computer screen so you aren’t constantly leaning or looking downward.
- Bring your phone up. Instead of always dropping your head toward your phone, occasionally bring the phone closer to eye level.
- Sit back in your chair. Let the chair support you rather than spending hours perched forward.
- Keep things within reach. Your keyboard, mouse and frequently used items shouldn’t require you to repeatedly stretch or twist.
- Change positions. Sit differently, stand up, walk around or stretch periodically.
The goal isn’t to maintain perfect posture. It’s to avoid spending too much time in any one position.
Movement Is Part of Good Posture
One of the simplest ways to reduce the physical stress of sitting or standing is to move more often.
Get up between tasks. Walk while talking on the phone. Take the stairs. Go for a short walk at lunch. Stretch after you’ve been sitting for a while.
You don’t necessarily need a complicated stretching routine or an expensive ergonomic workstation.
When Changing Your Posture Isn’t Enough
If you regularly experience neck pain, back pain, headaches, numbness, tingling, loss of movement or recurring discomfort, there may be more going on than simply poor posture.
As a chiropractor, I look at how the spine and joints are moving, along with the muscles and nerves around them. The goal is to determine whether there is a mechanical problem that may be contributing to your symptoms or making certain positions uncomfortable.
Addressing these problems early may help keep a small problem from becoming a larger one.
The Bottom Line
Don’t spend your day worrying about whether you’re sitting or standing perfectly.
Use comfortable positions, avoid unnecessary strain, change positions regularly and keep moving.
Good posture isn’t about staying perfectly still. It’s about giving your body the variety of movement and positions it was designed to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t one perfect posture that everyone should maintain. A comfortable, supported position is a good starting point, but regularly changing positions is just as important.
Posture can contribute to discomfort, particularly when you stay in the same position for long periods. However, neck and back pain can have many contributing factors, so posture shouldn’t automatically be blamed.
Not necessarily. Standing in one position for hours can become uncomfortable too. Ideally, alternate between sitting, standing and moving throughout your day.
There isn’t a perfect schedule. Instead of watching the clock, build movement naturally into your day. Stand up between tasks, walk periodically and change your sitting or standing position when you begin feeling stiff or uncomfortable.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Improving your posture doesn’t mean sitting perfectly straight or constantly thinking about how you’re holding your body. Often, it’s the small things that matter most – changing positions, moving more often and avoiding unnecessary strain throughout the day.
Pay attention to how your body feels. If you’ve been sitting or standing in one position for a long time, move. If something feels uncomfortable, change your position. And if pain or stiffness keeps returning despite making these changes, there may be an underlying problem worth looking into.
If recurring neck pain, back pain or stiffness is making it difficult to sit, stand or move comfortably, contact our Edmonton chiropractic office or book an appointment online. We can assess what may be contributing to the problemand help you determine the best next steps.
Small changes in how you move and position your body throughout the day can add up over time.
About Dr. Dean Collins
Dr. Dean Collins has been helping Edmonton patients improve their health through chiropractic care since 1998. With over 30 years of clinical experience, he has worked with patients of all ages, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain healthier, more active lives. At Collins Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, Dr. Collins focuses on identifying the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction while providing personalized care, education, and practical strategies to support long-term health and wellness.
For more information on how chiropractic care could help you, your family, or friend read our complete guide to chiropractic care.
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