Practicing good posture goes far beyond providing benefits for your overall physical appearance. Poor posture has been linked to a number of long-term health problems. This is because the human body functions best when all of the joints and muscles are in optimal alignment. Not maintaining proper posture is detrimental to a number of health functions. Here are just a few of the most common issues linked with poor posture.
 

Poor Circulation

Poor posture has often been linked to poor circulation in the body. This is significant because good circulation is needed to ensure that all of the body's organs and muscles take in the nutrients and oxygen that they need to thrive. Some of the most common results of poor circulation include the presence of varicose veins, high blood pressure, and pain in the lower back and beyond. Practicing good posture techniques will encourage better circulation throughout the entire body.
 

Arthritis Aggravation

Arthritis sufferers understand that poor posture may aggravate this debilitating condition. This happens when the spine becomes misaligned with the pelvis and knees as a result of your posture, increasing the stress on different body parts. The pressure put on the joints becomes worse as time goes on, aggravating the symptoms of arthritis. While you cannot prevent arthritis with good posture, you can certainly slow down the progression by being mindful about how straight you stand and sit.
 

Constipation

There are a number of gastrointestinal issues that have been linked with poor posture with constipation being one of the most commonly reported problems. Constipation can be caused by constant slouching because it puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles that are responsible for the regulation of the bowels. Muscles that are continually put under pressure from hunching forward can cause constipation in addition to other digestive issues.

Lastly, poor posture has also been shown to weaken the muscles in the abdominal region. Weakened muscles in this part of the body can create disruptions within the bowels by blocking waste removal.
 

Incontinence

In addition to leading to constipation, poor posture can also cause urinary incontinences as a result of a weakened pelvic floor. It becomes difficult to control the bladder when these pelvic floor muscles are in a weakened state. This results in the leaking of urine or full-blown incontinence. The misalignment of the hips and spine due to poor posture can make this incontinence more pronounced.
 

Increased Fatigue

It is only natural that you will also feel more fatigued if you have poor posture. This is because poor posture makes your muscles have to work harder to support your frame. The constant straining wears out the muscles and leads to overall fatigue. While it may seem tiring to try to maintain proper posture, it will make you less tired in the long run. The goal is to retrain your body so that good posture becomes automatic and not something that you have to work hard to achieve.
 

Shoulder and Back Pain

It goes without saying that poor posture is one of the leading causes of shoulder and back pain. Practicing good posture encourages the spine to align straightly over the pelvis, supporting the three natural curves present in the spine. A hunched spine pulls the muscles and puts stress on many areas of the core muscles and lower back. This movement can trigger discogenic back pain as it puts pressure on the discs located in the spine.
 

Dizziness Episodes

A spine that is out of alignment can cause cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness. This dizziness happens when the center of gravity in the head becomes out of whack due to the poor posture. As a result, the body sends incorrect information to the brain, creating a sense of confusion and dizziness. This medical issue is similar to how a head or neck injury that results in whiplash can disrupt the alignment of the head and neck, causing dizziness and confusion.


All of these negative health implications should provide you with plenty of motivation to be intentional about practicing good posture as you age. In addition to looking better, you will also feel much better while enjoying optimal health.