Paying attention to their side profile could help women avoid neck and back problems and improve quality of life in many other areas according to the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association (NZCA).
Research published by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) suggests that women whose heads lean forward are most likely to be currently suffering from back or neck pain (58%), followed by those with an excessively arched lower back (56%). Women whose heads lean forward are also the most likely to suffer from back or neck pain 'every day' (29%). Those with a flat back were the least likely to have experienced pain, with 21 per cent having remained painfree.*
According to Dr. Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesperson for the New Zealand
Chiropractors’ Association: `Whether a woman has an apple or hourglass figure appears to be less important than their side profiles as far as back and neck pain triggers go. Just over 25 per cent of women told the British researchers that a bout of back or neck pain can last for one to three days at a time, so we do need to do all we can to prevent problems. The good news is that making changes to your posture doesn’t call for extreme dieting or difficult exercise programs and can be managed really simply with the help of your family chiropractor.’
Posture has also been shown to have an effect on many other areas of health and well being beyond symptoms of pain such as mood, energy levels, self confidence, sleep and change in the release of stress hormones. Poor posture can also negatively impact on job prospects, decision making, work productivity and other areas of life.
The BCA research reveals that the average age women start to suffer from back or neck pain is 34 years meaning that your twenties are a key time for poor posture to really take hold and cause issues. The NZCA is concerned that women especially are suffering unnecessarily, with poor posture now appearing to have taken over from large breasts and overall weight issues as the most common cause of spinal problems.
Your chiropractor can show you simple exercises for you to do on a regular basis to help stabilise core muscle groups, enhance health and prevent spinal disability. Think of it as daily spinal hygiene just like brushing your teeth benefits oral health. A regular checkup by your family chiropractor will also help keep your spinal movement, nervous system function and posture at its best.
We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or would like to book in with a chiropractor and start addressing any postural or health concerns. Please contact us on 03 445 4688 or check out our website at www.cromwellchiropractic.co.nz.
Research carried out on behalf of the BCA.
For further information on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association visit
www.chiropractic.org.nz .
References:
1 http://www.chiropracticuk.co.uk/areyouaspoonorabridge292news.aspx
2 University of California Berkeley www.berkeleywellness.com/healthymind/mindbody/article/bodymindconnection
3 http://lifehacker.com/thesciencebehindpostureandhowitaffectsyourbrain1463291618
4 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237511.php