Last updated on January 17th, 2019

3 Things to Know to Stop Bad Posture while Aging

#1 Realize Posture is NOT about your age

Aging and posture have long been seen as something that goes hand in hand. Let’s make a distinction, posture is on a spectrum from great to really bad. When people refer to posture and age they are speaking of bad posture. Bad posture has much less to do with age as it does with “wear and tear”. Case in point, I have seen posture of a 20 year old worse than someone three times their age.

Why? Because we all develop effects from accidents and injuries, big and small, that create points of instability. This creates weakness in the spine that results in a breakdown pattern that gets worse with time. Do nothing to take care of your posture and with enough time there will be degeneration and permanent damage that is irreversible. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The “cure” will not be possible if your condition is too far along, so address your posture today.

#2 Take control – hunched over and being arthritic is not your fate

In the past 20 years genetics have been used to lay on us a fateful definitive declaration of our lot in life. Yes, you pass your skeletal genes onto your kids but that is still not the whole story. What you do on a daily basis has a major impact on making the most of your genetic design. You have control over what you do, what you eat and how you think – which all play a role in posture.

Gravity is the “constant” force that we must learn to manage when dealing with posture and aging. As gravity continues to press down on your body there is a normal compression over one’s lifespan. However our bodies are alive, dynamic and resistant contrary to a building that only resists forces through natural laws of physics. The human body can be strengthened, stretched and cared for to slow the compression process. By doing this, bone deformation will be slowed along with wear and tear of tissue.

The same is true for what we eat and how we think. Eat a diet that optimizes your bone and tissue physiology. Keep positive and live with a purpose that keeps you excited and engaged with the world.

#3 Educate yourself about your body- an aging posture is not just about your back

The more I have learned about the human body the more respect I have developed for it and thus the more I take care of me. Posture is very much a window into the quality of your life and status of your health. Your posture is primarily dictated by the health and wellness of your spinal column.

The spinal column’s two main functions are to be a dynamic structure for movement and to protect the nervous system, one the most vital systems of your body. The nervous system is your brain and the extension of that called the spinal cord and delicate nerves that carry information to and from the brain. Hence, everything you are, feel and experience is done through the nervous system. Your posture is a reflection of the function of your nervous system. The most important information to have about your body and posture  is how to improve it. Posture correction requires alignment, being empowered, and correct training.

Dr. Paul Paez, DC, NRT, NET, CMT

National Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), trained in clinical nutrition (NRT), neuro-emotional release (NET), and Massage Therapy (CMT). Dr. Paul holds the rare triple distinction of Certified Posture Expert, Certified Posture Neurologist and Certified Posture Ergonomist by the American Posture Institute. Posture Possible is the very best resource for posture information.