PHILADELPHIA, May 8 (UPI) -- Many of life's aches and pains can be due to poor posture, a U.S. physical therapist says.
"Poor posture can lead to loss of shoulder motion, chronic pain, walking deficits, neck-related headaches, the inability to exercise," Dr. Greg Thielman of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia says in a statement. "However, aside from contributing to a good appearance, the long-term benefits of proper posture include helping to decrease abnormal wearing of joint surfaces, lessening stress on the ligaments of the spine, preventing the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions, and preventing backache and muscular pain."
Good posture -- putting the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments -- can be promoted, Thielman says, by good shoes that cover the top of the foot.
"There is no such thing as a good high heel shoe," Thielman says. "Each brand fits differently, but the key is to find one that works for you and that gives the much-needed overall support."
Other ways he recommends to help posture include:
-- Positioning the chair where one sits most to provide lumbar, shoulder and, if needed, head support.
-- Doing simple exercises daily can help correct the tendency to tilt forward while working.
-- Not carrying backpacks weighing more than 20 pounds or attempting to lift objects that are too heavy.
