There are differing viewpoints regarding posture within the healthcare field, with discrepancies in the scientific literature leading to conflict among health care professionals. While there is no definitive research on what constitutes 'good' or 'bad' posture, most musculoskeletal clinicians refer to anatomy and biomechanics to reach a reasonable consensus on the matter. 'Good' posture is defined as a position that balances the muscles and bones, safeguarding the body's supporting structures against injury or progressive deformities. Conversely, 'bad' posture involves positions that do the opposite.
Regarding posture and pain, many people believe that prolonged slouching or hunching during work, on the sofa, or in the car can worsen aches and discomfort. Although some studies suggest a correlation between forward head posture and neck pain in certain individuals (Mamoud et al. 2019), others find no such association (Damasceno et al. 2018). Similarly, while altering a patient's posture may reduce low back pain incidence and discomfort, there is limited evidence linking specific spinal postures to low back pain (Korakakis et al. 2019).
I'd like to explore a different aspect of posture beyond pain; its connection to mood and stress. While bad moods can lead to more slumped postures and affect the muscles responsible for maintaining an upright position (Michalak et al. 2009; Kitoaka et al. 2004), research also demonstrates how an upright posture can improve self-esteem and mood, particularly when dealing with a stressful task (Nair et al. 2015). Furthermore research by Carney et al. (2010) shows how certain expansive postures, such as the superhero stance with a puffed-out chest, can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and Wilkes et al. (2017) have shown how an upright posture can induce more positive emotions and alleviate fatigue in individuals with mild to moderate depression.
So, even if your posture isn't causing you pain, it's worth considering the potential impact of improving your posture on your mood, stress levels, and stress resilience. The simple act of sitting or standing up taller could lead to positive changes in various aspects of your well-being.
Unlock a happier you through improved posture! Call 07514 675 172, email optimumchiropracticclinic@gmail.com or book now to explore the potential benefits of better posture on your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. Make a positive change today.
References used in this blog about posture, pain, and mood (Yes, we did our homework! no fake news here!) 😉
Carney, D.R., Cuddy, A.J. and Yap, A.J., 2010. Power posing: brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychological science, 21 (10), 1363-1368.
Damasceno, G.M., Ferreira, A.S., Nogueira, L.A.C., Reis, F.J.J., Andrade, I.C.S. and Meziat-Filho, N., 2018. Text neck and neck pain in 18-21-year-old young adults. Eur Spine J. 27 (6), 1249-1254.
Kitaoka, K., Ito, R., Araki, H., Sei, H. and Morita, Y., 2004., Effect of mood state on anticipatory postural adjustments. Neuroscience letters. 370 (1), 65-68.
Korakakis, V., O'Sullivan, K., O'Sullivan, P.B., Evagelinou, V., Sotiralis, Y., Sideris, A., Sakellariou, K., Karanasios, S. and Giakas G., 2019. Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, (39) 24-31.
Mahmoud, N.F., Hassan, K.A., Abdelmajeed, S.F., Moustafa, I.M. and Silva, A.G., 2019. The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 12 (4), 562-577
Michalak, J., Troje, N.F., Fischer, J., Vollmar, P., Heidenreich, T. and Schulte, D., 2009. Embodiment of sadness and depression—gait patterns associated with dyshoric mood. Psychosomatic medicine, 71 (5), 580-587.
Nair, S., Sagar, M., Sollers, J.3rd., Consedine, N. and Broadbent, E., 2015. Do slumped postured and upright postures affect stress response? A randomized trial. Health psychology, 34 (6), 632-641.
Wilkes, C., Kydd, R., Sagar, M. and Broadbent, E., 2017. Upright posture improves affect and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 54, 143-149.
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