To correct your bad posture, it first is important to stop slouching and hunching over. While it may seem unnatural and difficult to keep the shoulders and back straight at first, perseverance in doing so can help correct bad posture. Purchasing ergonomic chairs and furniture can help improve posture as can learning to sit in regular chairs properly. People also can exercise and keep their bodies in shape to correct poor posture. If these measures fail to achieve the desired results, a visit to a chiropractor may be in order.
Many people slouch into chairs and hunch over to eat, write, read or work on a keyboard without even thinking about their posture. The habit of not properly supporting the back can worsen posture. Using ergonomic furniture, which is designed to prevent bad posture, people can adequately support the back as well as have tables and desks at the proper height. Sitting in a chair too high for the table can lead to slouching and hunching that are not good for your posture. Making a point to choose ergonomic furniture whenever possible can be a good start in correcting your posture.
Learning to sit straight in any type of furniture is also important since most people don't stay in their own homes or ergonomically correct offices all of the time. When sitting in a car, restaurant booth, dining chair, doctor's waiting room seat or anywhere else, the back and neck should be held straight. There shouldn't be a large gap between the backrest and the lowest part of the back.
Achieving a healthy weight and body tone can often help correct bad posture as well. A flabby stomach places extra pressure on the lower back and spine which can affect posture. Avoiding carrying a heavy backpack is also important, as too much pressure may be placed on the upper body and shoulders.
Doing posture exercises regularly can be helpful for many people. You should speak to your doctor about your bad posture. He or she can recommend the best treatment for you that may include posture exercises. For example, push ups done with the back held straight are often suggested to help improve bad posture. Sessions with a chiropractor can help improve your posture as these medical professionals specialize in treating the spine and back.
If exercises and learning to sit straighter don't cause much improvement, a chiropractor may prescribe a posture support device called a brace. There are different types and qualities of posture-improving braces. A brace worn to correct bad posture may support the shoulders, or it may fit in the area where the spine curves to foster better spinal alignment. The better quality braces often feature thick straps designed to fit more comfortably than cheaper devices which may dig into the skin.