Postural stress is the stress load on our bodies due to poor posture. “Poor†posture is defined as when our spine is positioned in unnatural positions, in which the curves are emphasised resulting in the joints, muscles and vertebrae being in stressful positions. This prolonged poor positioning results in a build-up of pressure on these tissues. Correct posture is the position where minimal stress is applied to each joint.
Poor posture results from certain muscles tightening or shortening while others lengthen creating weakness, this is often a result of one’s daily activities. Various factors can impact on posture including occupational activities, repetitive activities and job stress and strain. Workers with high levels of job stress are more likely to develop neck and shoulder symptoms.
Postural Stress Risk Factors:
- Athletes whose sport involves long periods of bent-forward positions such as hockey players, cyclists, baseball catchers and cricket wicket keepers
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive use of laptops/computers and mobile phones
- Poor ergonomic setup at work or home
- Weak core
- Tight muscles and stiff joints
- Lifestyle or occupation which entails excessive amount of sitting, lifting, bending, or shoulder-forward positions
- Improper sleeping pillow
Although it may take some time to change the effects of postural stress, the good news is that muscle balance restoration and spine health can be achieved via posture awareness and care. Massage therapy is an effective way to help improve your posture, a series of treatments will release the tight muscles thereby creating the space for change in the body. It is also important to strengthen the areas that have weakened and to stretch the muscles that were tight to maintain postural improvements.
Call me if you experience aches and pains from postural stress such as upper or lower back pain, neck, shoulder and arm pain. Lower limb pain, including leg, hip, knee or ankle pain. Muscle fatigue or headaches from tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders.