Good posture is incomplete without your shoulders. They help align your spine, neck and head. In order to maintain good shoulder posture, we need to focus on our lifestyle, as daily habits like desk work, technology use and sitting all day can negatively affect alignment.
To fix bad shoulder posture, we can perform certain exercises, make important lifestyle changes, and implement other holistic solutions.
Several Types of Bad Shoulder Posture
Bad shoulder posture also comes in many different forms. Not everyone is the same.
Forward Shoulders
Observation: Shoulders slouch forward, and the upper back may curve.
Common Causes: Prolonged sitting, desk work, excessive gadget/technology use, working out the chest and front shoulders too much
Hiking Shoulders or Uneven Shoulders
Observation: One shoulder is higher or more forward than the other.
Common Causes: Carrying heavy bags on one side, poor sleeping positions, muscle imbalances, or scoliosis.
Winged Scapula
Observation: The shoulder blades stick out prominently from the back.
Common Causes: Damaged nerves in near the sides of your chest, specifically the serratus anterior
Mindful Daily Adjustments
Bad shoulder posture often comes from habits we’ve developed over time, like slouching while sitting or hunching over screens. The good news is that these habits are changeable, and by making simple adjustments, we can gradually reverse the effects on our shoulder posture. Consistency is key.
Simple exercises and proper habits can make this go away like an apple that keeps a doctor away. So here are some effective exercises that you might take on:
1. Shoulder circles
This is good for warming up your shoulder joints and increasing flexibility.
2. Across-the-chest stretch
This helps increase flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles.
3. Neck release
This is a gentle way to loosen tension in your neck and shoulders.
4. Chest expansion
This promotes flexibility and range of motion in your shoulders like the first and second exercises.
5. Seated twist
This stretches your shoulders and neck. Tip on doing this, keep your hips facing forward during this exercise. Allow the twist to start in your lower back.
Pay attention to your everyday tasks. Identifying and addressing these red flag chores can significantly impact the progress of your day.
Increase the effectiveness when there is a posture corrector that keeps you in check. Being reminded from time to time will play a big role in crossing out those bad habits.
Think of posture correctors as your personal safety gear, ensuring you maintain a proper posture with shoulders back and down throughout your day, gradually undoing the impact of those pesky habits.
Conclusion
Small adjustments in daily habits can turn into big adjustments when done consistently. It’s like planting tiny seeds that grow into strong, healthy trees. But here’s the secret – it’s not just about knowing what to do; it’s about making it a habit, a part of your daily life.
Don’t forget, your body is like a friend, and it’s giving you signals. Listen to it, pay attention to how it feels. If something doesn’t seem right, adjust and make those tiny changes.
So, the next time you feel tempted to slouch or ignore those small adjustments, remember, they are the building blocks of a stronger, healthier posture. Embrace the process, be kind to your body, and let the small changes pave the way for a posture that speaks of strength, confidence, and a commitment to your well-being.
