I have found that in order to manage posture issues, it helps to have some type of physical exercise program that is geared towards maintaining symmetry while also providing strength, flexibility, control, etc. Examples would be be Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, kettle bells, and some weight training (with lighter weights). Most people don’t realize that they have a posture issue until they have pain and discomfort. It is similar to have tires on one’s car that are out of alignment, where the owner sees and feels their car bouncing around so they replace the balding tires. A few months later the problem returns and they again replace the tires, but the alignment is the root problem. I know a root cause of postural issues is sometimes the lack of flexibility and muscle tone to keep the spine and associated joints and muscles in the proper alignment.
I have had issues with my posture due to an old knee injury affecting other parts of my body, causing me to pursue TCM, chiropractic, yoga, massage, rolfing, martial arts and maybe a few others. I attached a graphic I produced a while back showing what I have learned from my teachers and other CAM practitioners.
From my past experiences, many people lift weights with the goal of becoming stronger or cosmetically more “in shape” which are both admirable results to pursue. I have found that training with lighter weights, with exercises that work more than just the main muscles groups, can actually provide better overall body strength as well as flexibility, control, reflex, speed and eventually power. This latter concept can often lead to better posture and consequently less chronic pain issues.
Depending upon the trainer, instructor and/or practitioner heavy weight training is often geared towards the main muscle groups of the pectorals, abdominals, quadriceps, glutes, biceps, triceps, etc. Some exercise programs with lighter weights, wrist/ankle weights, medicine balls, kettle bells, etc. are sometime referred to as functional training, where the movement of the body with the weights for resistance is more of the focus than just trying to lift a certain amount of weight.
From my experience, staying active and even more specifically being engaged in exercise methods that not only stretch but encourage strength and flexibility are key components of managing chronic pain. Many types of pain relief methods whether massage, pharmaceuticals, heat/cold therapy, acupuncture, etc. often address the symptoms of the root cause of the pain. Chronic pain issues of the spine can be relieved but in order to find long-term benefits there needs to be some muscle tone to hold the proper alignments of the muscles, bones, fascia, nerves etc. in place. Flexibility is needed to allow a comfortable range of motion for joint mobility. So to sum it up, pain relief methods can help, but long-term benefits come from strength, stability, flexibility and range of motion, or so I have been taught and experienced.
Be well, get healthy, be wise.
I am currently available for health and wellness lectures and classes for group, & private instruction in the Orlando, Florida area. Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
Jim Moltzan
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United Martial Arts Association 