Often, poor posture develops because of accidents or falls. But bad posture can also develop from environmental factors or bad habits. This means that you have control.

Today, posture-related problems are increasing:

1) As we become a society that watches more television than any previous generation;
2) As we become a more electronic society, with more and more people working at sedentary desk jobs or sitting in front of computer terminals;
3) As more and more cars are crowding our roads, resulting in accidents and injuries;
4) and as we drive in cars with poorly designed seats.

In most cases, poor posture results from a combination of several factors, which can include:

Accidents, injuries and falls Poor sleep support (mattress) Excessive weight Visual or emotional difficulties Foot problems or improper shoes Weak muscles, muscle imbalance Careless sitting, standing, sleeping habits Negative self image Occupational stress Poorly designed work space

Poor Posture & Pain

A lifetime of poor posture can start a progression of symptoms in the average adult. It can start with...

Fatigue - your muscles have to work hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture. You waste energy just moving, leaving you without the extra energy you need to feel good.

Tight, achy muscles in the neck, back, arms and legs - by this stage, there may be a change in your muscles and ligaments and you may have a stiff, tight painful feeling. More than 80% of the neck and back problems are the result of tight, achy muscles brought on by years of bad posture.

Joint stiffness and pain - at risk for "wear and tear" arthritis, or what is termed degenerative osteoarthritis. Poor posture and limited mobility increase the likelihood of this condition in later years.