Correct Posture

We all know how important correct posture is to prevent pain. But what is the correct posture? Find out more about this topic today. 

The  correct posture  during everyday activities is fundamental to our health. We assume that incorrect posture leads to head, back, shoulder and neck pain. But is this really the case? To answer this question, we first need to know which posture is actually correct. Find out more about this topic today.

What is the correct posture?

The posture of the body is defined by the arrangement of the musculoskeletal system. Our muscles, ligaments and bones work together in a coordinated way to stabilize the body’s position in space against gravity.

Different types of posture

Posture can basically be divided into two types:

1. Not active

In this position, the  activation of the muscles is theoretically not necessary,  since we are in a resting position, for example when we are sleeping.

2. Active

In this case, the coordinated action of the muscles is required. A distinction is made between the following two options:

• Static:  The body areas are in a relatively constant position, for example when we are sitting, standing or kneeling.
• Dynamic:  In this case, the body moves and has to react to external circumstances. This is the case when we are walking, running, jumping, or getting up from the ground.

When we talk about correct posture, we are usually talking  about the static posture, in which the spine is perpendicular to the floor. 

Relationship between posture and pain

Very often we sit in the wrong posture, with a hunched back and hunched shoulders. We assume that this posture is wrong and therefore causes back, neck and shoulder pain, among other things. However, many studies have found no connection between a wrong position and pain.

One of the most important studies from 1994 examined 610 women of advanced age with kyphosis (curvature of the spine). The results could not show a connection between kyphosis and pain,  not even in the 10% of the participants who were particularly badly affected.

Other studies have looked at the posture of people with back pain, taking into account the position participants sit when they are seated to identify possible differences. Surprisingly, the result showed that people without back pain also adopt a hunched posture when sitting. 

What about the posture while standing?

The position we take while standing is very personal. Everyone can exhibit very different postures, regardless of their age, gender, height or weight. These differences and versatility make it very difficult to accurately assess posture while standing.

However, the scientific evidence  has so far failed to establish a connection between back pain, sitting posture, standing position, or the curvature of the spine. If posture were the problem, all people who sit or stand incorrectly would be in pain.

But what does the correct posture actually look like?

Unfortunately, the answer is not very meaningful because it depends on different situations. Not even health professionals agree on exactly what the correct posture looks like. Therefore, the correct posture, at least unless proven otherwise, is the one that corresponds to your daily activities and does not aggravate your pain, if you have any. 

For example, professional dancers stand up straight with their backs straight because their discipline requires it. But if we force the correct posture of a ballet dancer on an office worker, he may suffer from back, neck and sore throat  because the posture does not suit his daily needs.

Final note on correct posture

The posture is of course very important! But you shouldn’t force it. If you don’t have back pain, sit or stand in whatever way is most comfortable for you. Focus on getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. 

However, if you have back pain, certain positions can make it worse. If this is the case for you, you should answer the following questions before you buy a new armchair: 

• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• Do you eat healthy?
• What about your emotional health?
• Do you often suffer from severe stress?
• Do you play sports often?

All of these factors can affect your sensitivity to pain. If you need help, see your doctor who can examine you and determine the cause of your pain.