With today’s frequent use of technological devices, namely cellphones and computers, it’s common for people to experience repetitive stress injury to their necks (text neck syndrome), shoulder pain, headaches, and back pain, all of which point to one culprit—poor posture.
But did you know that poor posture has negative effects that extend beyond the pain? The next time you blame your circumstances or other people for feeling stressed, stop and think because the culprit could just be literally behind your back. Let’s delve into the surprising effects of your posture on your stress levels—the very reasons to start working on improving it now.
Poor Posture Triggers Cortisol Release
A study on the effects of posture on the body’s stress response showed that participants with poor posture experienced a 15-percent increase in their cortisol levels, while those with good posture experienced a roughly 25-percent decrease.
Cortisol is more like the body’s built-in alarm system—a hormone produced by the adrenal glands during distressing situations. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can lead to hormonal imbalance, poor sleep, and weight gain, eventually putting you at an increased risk for potentially serious health problems, such as depression, diabetes, and hypertension.
Poor Posture May Cause Breathing Pattern Dysfunction
Several studies suggest that poor posture also affects lung capacity and consequently causes breathing pattern dysfunction. This is because when you hunch, you render your diaphragm unable to work efficiently and your lungs to fully inflate to supply your body with all the oxygen it needs to function optimally. In turn, the nerve cells in your brain won’t work properly, resulting in fatigue, brain fog, and headaches, all of which can contribute to stress. Eighty percent of brain nutrition and stimulation is a result of vertebral motion (spinal motion).
Pain Management in Melbourne, FL
If your posture is causing you persistent or chronic neck or back pain or headaches, visit us here at Central Florida Spine & Pain. Dr. Nicholas Giordano, our highly skilled interventional pain management specialist, offers a wide range of minimally invasive therapeutic modalities—including nerve blocks, platelet-rich plasma therapy, epidural injections, and spinal cord stimulation—all aimed at helping you feel and function well again. Dr. Giordano can also teach you self-care strategies to help you improve your posture and achieve the best possible treatment outcome.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Giordano, call our office today at 321-802-5021 or use the appointment request form. We also offer telehealth appointments for your convenience. We look forward to serving you!
