By Mckeon Buffamonte For the Daily Times Think back for a moment, how often has a schoolteacher, parent, or friend told you to correct your posture? How many times has a health care provider mentioned to you that you need to improve your posture to reduce any neck or back pain you’ve been experiencing? This idea of correcting posture occurs quite frequently both socially and medically, and many health care providers attribute neck and back pain to poor posture as neck and back pain are among the most prevalent healthcare concerns. Often it has been hypothesized that technology and standard office equipment such as cellphones, desk chairs, or even desks themselves are to blame for poor spinal alignment and subsequent “sinister” posture. Most of us can picture what it looks like to have improper posture: Head down, neck too far forward, rounded shoulders, or even a “neck hump” or “hunchback.
” But does it matter? Does your posture have much if any influence over your neck or back pain? In short: no. So, where does this ideology of perfect posture come from? Many theories exist, but a common idea stems from military procedures. Historically, most military personnel where mandated to have ideal posture of a straightened vertical spine, straight neck, head up, chest out, and shoulders back all for a more aesthetic and professional appearance.
As time progressed, it was also thought that this perfect military posture then transitioned into early fashion trends for wome.