Do Posture Correctors Work?

You're probably aware of how to sit or stand properly. Straightening your posture, keeping the shoulders back, keeping your head at level, and other steps are simple enough to follow. Even if this is the case, you may often forget to maintain a neutral spine.

Practicing proper posture is essential to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Doing so can decrease the risk of having problems on the spine and other parts of the body that can be affected, such as the hips, shoulders, neck, and even the head. 

Practicing proper posture can be uncomfortable for the unfamiliar and the beginner. That is why there are devices that can help your practice that guarantees effectiveness. These are called posture correctors.



The Importance of Proper Posture

Aside from the discomfort, having an improper posture can have adverse effects on your health. It can cause pain in your back and parts that connect your spine. This is because there is too much or too little pressure on a particular area that can cause strain, tension, muscle fatigue, or other health concerns.

It is crucial to know how proper practicing posture can help your spine become healthier and have many more benefits in your overall health. The importance of practicing and having adequate posture include the following:

 

#1 Improves Your Spine's Health

A well-known beneficial impact of having a proper posture is that it helps your spine to become healthier. Your spine is one of the most significant parts of your body. It supports your stand, keeps your balance, and a bridgeway for the nerves on your brain to travel to other parts of your body, to name a few.

Although it may take some time to get used to, having a proper posture means providing appropriate back support. This is crucial, especially for those who spend most of their time sitting for hours or standing throughout the day.


#2 Impacts your Digestion

Slouching can impact some organs in your abdomen area. Slouching while using your phone or hunching over your desk can hinder proper digestion. This can cause an increased risk of experiencing constipation, acid reflux, or even heartburn.

 

#3 Reduces Neck and Back Pain

If properly aligned, your spine allows you to move correctly for your body to support your weight without feeling any strain. Having poor posture can create tension in your ligaments, tendons, and muscles. In return, this can cause neck and back pain.

Improving your posture can help alleviate these types of pain. Since neck and back pain can be caused by too much tension from your body weight, proper posture can help distribute the appropriate weight on your body. This can alleviate the pressure and stress that your back and neck may feel.



#4 Can Boost your Mood

Posture may not be what you think of when it comes to boosting your mood. According to Barrington Orthopedic Specialist, your body and brain have a "two-way communication." This means that your posture can affect your mood, and your mood can affect your posture. It is noticeable that happy people sit upright, and those who are feeling down are more likely in a stumped or reclined position.

Changing your posture by sitting or standing up straight while taking deep breaths can make you feel a gentle boost in your mood, especially when you are feeling low.


What are Posture Correctors?

Posture correctors are used to help you practice proper posture and to aid in alleviating chronic pain on the back, neck, or head. Since your posture is all about your back’s muscular strength, one of the best methods to help in practicing proper postures is through the help of posture correctors. 

According to Dr. Okubadejo, who leads the Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, posture correctors are recommended for patients who have "mild cases of misalignment." This means that posture correctors are recommended for people who experience general headaches, neck pain, head pain, or a slouched posture.


How to Look for the Right Posture Corrector?

#1 Effectiveness

This is an important aspect that you need to consider. The goal of posture correctors is to help improve your posture. Narrowing down your search by determining specific areas that need improvement is essential in finding a suitable corrector. According to Healthline.com, the most important parts you can focus on are:

  • Lower back
  • Neck
  • Cervical, thoracic junction

 

#2 Easily Used

Posture correctors that are easily adjustable but can provide support are a factor you should look for. This is so you do not need to depend on other people to help you adjust posture correctors and at the same time can make you take it off or put it back on without hassle.

 

#3 Comfortable

Even if your posture corrector is effective, if you feel uncomfortable using it or have a hard time wearing it, you would have less of a chance to use these correctors. If you do not want to wear it, then its effectiveness is irrelevant.

 

#4 Encourages your Muscles Activation

Your posture corrector should help the muscles move to their proper position and support your spine. Dr. Amir Vokshoor, a spinal neurosurgeon and chief of the range at St. John's Hospital, recommends a soft brace for posture correctors. This is to remind the postural muscles and the body of the correct positions where they need to be.


Do Posture Correctors Work?

The correct posture corrector may help you with the following health concerns:

  • Less tension on the neck and shoulders.
  • Improvement in digestion and circulation.
  • Reduce the risk of back pain.
  • Lung capacity is increased.
  • Fewer headaches.

 

Another benefit of posture correctors is serving as awareness of whether or not you must improve your posture or not.

And while posture correctors can help, using them often may do more harm than good. This is because your body may rely too much on posture correctors to hold you up, especially when you wear these devices for long periods. This may cause your muscles to relax too much and weaken.

Experts recommend using ergonomic devices that can help you in your day-to-day life, especially when working and sitting for hours. Ergonomic chairs can help support your back, head, and neck while working on your desk for hours. This type of chair is designed for the user's needs and can be adjusted depending on your comfort.

In addition, standing can help lessen the stress you may feel on your lower back and improve your posture. This is where standing desks come in handy. Even if busy with work, this ergonomic furniture and posture corrector can provide the benefits of standing even when you have work to do!

Another type of ergonomic device you can use is sit-to-stand desk converters. This type of ergonomic furniture is desks that you can use while sitting or standing. It can help your posture and, at the same time, release the tension your lower extremities may feel when sitting for too long.


Conclusion

Having proper posture throughout your day can prevent the risks of having injuries such as headaches, back pains, neck strains, and more. Being able to use posture correctors can help improve your posture. It is important to remember that using it too much may make your body rely on it, weakening your muscles.

Investing in ergonomic furniture and taking care of your posture by exercising and eating healthy food are critical factors in having a healthy and robust body.