Did you know the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and pelvis are connected? Surprising, right? It turns out that poor posture in Troy MI doesn't just affect our backs and necks, but can also impact our pelvic health. Let's delve into this connection.

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The Domino Effect of Poor Posture in Troy MI

When we sit at a computer for too long or frequently adopt a forward head posture, our bodies begin to experience a cascade of misalignments:

• Leaning to one side
• Differences in leg length
• Higher shoulder or hip
• Muscle spasms
• Decreased range of motion
• Headaches

These issues can lead to chronic problems in the head, neck, shoulders, pelvis and pelvic floor.

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The Fascial Connection

Our fascia, the connective tissue that runs throughout our bodies, creates a continuous line from our head to our tailbone. This means that tension or misalignment in one area can influence another. Forward head posture can lead to compensation patterns throughout your spine, eventually reaching your pelvis and affecting the pelvic floor muscles.

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The Pelvic Floor and Posture

A forward head posture causes your upper back to round and your pelvis to tilt in compensation. This pelvic tilt can lead to misalignment and tension in the pelvic floor muscles, potentially resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus in women. Misalignment or excessive tension can cause issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.

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Holistic Body Alignment

Correcting posture involves holistic body alignment. Ensuring alignment of your head, jaw, neck, spine, and pelvis can maintain pelvic floor health and prevent related problems. Practices such as yoga, Pilates, daily mobility exercises, chiropractic adjustments, pelvic floor and core exercises, and ergonomic adjustments can be beneficial.

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Tips to Maintain Good Posture Throughout the Day

Ergonomic Workstation Setup

• Ensure your computer screen is at eye level.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
• Use a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine.
• Position your keyboard and mouse so your arms form a 90-degree angle.
• Use tools like the wobble cushion for half an hour per day to stimulate your core muscles and keep them engaged. See wobble cushion here https://amzn.to/3xvGSDX (affiliate link)**

Take Frequent Breaks

• Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes.
• Walk around for a few minutes to improve circulation and relieve tension.
• Perform simple exercises like shoulder rolls and neck stretches. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/195pcy8d8Tc

Practice Good Sitting Habits

• Sit up straight with your back against the chair.
• Avoid crossing your legs; Keep your feet flat on the ground.
• Use a small lumbar roll or cushion to support your lower back. See lumbar roll here: https://amzn.to/3L5NpYU (affiliate link)**

Strengthening Exercises

Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like 

• Side-planks - As performed below
• Glute Bridges: Here is the correct way to perform Glute Bridges. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eOB1V3VgbnM
• Bird-Dog: Here is the correct way to perform Bird-Dog. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fLV6mPP-EHQ
• Banded clams: Here is the correct way to perform banded clams. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cFiPqnXs7CA
  • See our favorite glute mini bands here: https://amzn.to/3VJ3EAp (affiliate link)**
• Perform pelvic floor exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing to maintain pelvic health. See proper diaphragmatic breathing here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LCYvYx_6JyE
• Do upper back exercises like rows, scapular squeezes, and banded pull-apart to combat rounded shoulders. Here's a short video on how to perform Banded Pull Aparts Here is the attached link for our favorite band tools to use! https://amzn.to/3L0BRGE (affiliate link)**

Mind Your Head and Jaw Position

• Keep your head aligned with your spine, avoiding forward head posture. Check out these two posture exercises listed below to combat forward head posture: Chin Tucks and Bruegger’s Posture Exercise
• Relax your jaw and avoid clenching; gentle jaw stretches and massage can help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4icVKyhGzqc

Daily Mobility and Flexibility

• Engage in activities like yoga or Pilates to improve overall flexibility and body awareness.
• Stretch major muscle groups regularly, focusing on the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. 

Proper Footwear

• Wear supportive shoes that provide good arch support to help with posture.
• Avoid high heels for extended periods, as they can alter your posture and gait.

Wellness Chiropractic Posture Checks

• Set reminders on your phone or computer to check and correct your posture throughout the day.
• Maintain Chiropractic wellness visits to assess your posture and correct misalignments 

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can improve your posture, reduce the risk of discomfort and pain, and support the health of your pelvic floor. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy and balanced body. #embodyhealthchiropractic #youhaveonebody #takecareofit #pelvicfloor #jawdysfunction #Chiropractic #posture #spineexercise #postureexercise #pelvicfloorexercise #posturechecks #textneckposture #forwardheadposture #posturereset

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