Bad posture in women contributes to a shoddy appearance and can create health problems. Many women try to develop the posture of a ballerina, report researchers at the Posture Clinic at Staying-Young-Secrets.com. A long graceful neck, squared shoulders and straight willowy back are not in the cards for every woman, however. Women have bad posture for a number of reasons, many of which can easily be corrected.
Causes
Many cases of bad posture in women originate during puberty when young women begin to develop breasts. Either in embarrassment or in an effort to hide blossoming bosoms, many young women hunch their shoulders forward. Others, on the other hand, try to flaunt their new breasts and can develop a swayback from pushing out their chests. Both are detrimental to spines and cause poor posture that lingers into adulthood.
Considerations
Bad posture creates a number of conditions that result from pulling on neck, shoulder and back muscles. The downward motion created from poor posture pulls throat, abdominal and even leg muscles. Good posture that aligns the shoulders with the hips minimizes stress on the joints and connective tissues in the legs and hips and enables the body to operate at maximum efficiency.
Benefits
Women need to wear properly fitted bras to help them maintain good posture. Without the benefit of proper support, the breasts can pull on side and back muscles and bend the spine. A good bra holds the breasts in the center of gravity and decreases the risk of developing bad posture and a misaligned spine. Tension is eased from the back muscles and spinal column allowing the shoulders sufficient range of motion.
Effects
Bad posture not only creates a poor silhouette, it can cause additional problems such as back pain, headaches and TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, also called TMJ, is a condition that causes pain in the jaw. Chiropractors at Chiroeco report that poor posture can lead to a hunched back and create breathing difficulties since the diaphragm doesn't have enough room to expand. Muscles that tire easily from supporting the back can lead to increased fatigue. Additionally, poor posture makes women look older.
Prevention/Solution
Exercise can help to improve posture and prevent the humpback caused by osteoporosis, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Women should focus on a correct standing posture to strengthen the back muscles and help with balance. Women can stand up against a wall and place their head, shoulders and buttocks up against the wall with feet about two or three inches out to gauge the proper alignment of their posture. Pressing the curve of the spine against the wall helps to strengthen the muscles needed for better posture.
