How Your Posture Impacts More Than Just Your Back

Why Posture Matters for Total Health

Your spine houses and protects your central nervous system. When you maintain poor posture, your body works overtime to stay balanced. Consider forward head posture—a common issue given how much time people spend looking down at their phones or other devices.

Dr. Hoover illustrates the problem: “If your head is forward instead of sitting over the center of your shoulders, your neck has to work harder all day long to support your head weight, which is 10 to 15 pounds.”

This extra strain creates lasting damage. We’re seeing teenagers lose their natural neck curve completely by age 19 (what’s called “text neck”). Without intervention, they face disc problems and severe arthritis by their 40s. Alarming for sure.

Surprising Health Effects

Poor posture triggers tension headaches and migraines from strained neck and upper back muscles. But the effects don’t stop there. A slouched posture reduces lung capacity and oxygen intake, making your body work harder to perform basic functions.

The nerves in your upper back connect to your lungs. Compromised nerve function from forward head posture means your body can’t get the oxygen it needs, leaving you feeling tired and functioning below 100%.

Digestive issues also stem from poor posture. Slumping compresses your internal organs and slows the movement of food through your system. Your body simply wasn’t designed to function hunched over.

Common Postural Habits That Harm

Beyond text neck, Dr. Hoover frequently sees patients with slouched sitting positions at poorly set-up desks. Uneven weight distribution causes problems too—standing with more weight on one hip or carrying bags on the same shoulder repeatedly.

Take hairdressers, for example. “They’ll lean to one side, and they’ve got the shoulder elevated, so they’re holding that shoulder up all day,” explains Dr. Hoover. This creates fatigue in the shoulder joint while the hip on the opposite side compensates.

Quick Results Are Possible

Most patients notice improvements within just a few weeks of care, particularly in symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and breathing issues. Some feel better immediately after their first adjustment. The key? Consistency with your care plan and addressing those harmful postural habits.