The human body is built to function at any kind of position, provided that it is done properly. One’s body posture may indicate different psychological traits, and describe some health conditions.

Body Posture – Understanding the Different Positions

When referring to body posture, it is synonymous to human positions, and poses which one can do. When the body is immobile, there are basic positions which one can do. The common body postures include standing, sitting, squatting, lying down, kneeling, crouching, and positioning oneself on all fours. Other types of body postures are used in the medical field; different anatomical positioning helps facilitate diagnostic, and surgical procedures. The anatomic position refers to the standing position, with the arms at both sides and palms facing front, and having the toes face forward; the opposite is the decubitus position, wherein the person lies down on a flat surface. The two postures may be the starting position for activities such as walking, crouching, or even giving birth. Different body postures help humans function better in their daily routines, and helps health practitioners position bodies better for a vast number of procedures.

Back Posture – How to Attain the Best

Having proper back posture ensures that there is a balanced distribution of weight on the spine. This prevents lower back pain, and spinal injuries when performing activities such as lifting, and pulling. Having proper posture means that the body’s anatomical plane is aligned and the force of gravity is distributed evenly. Proper back posture means that there is an imaginary line running from the ears, the shoulders, down to the hips and ankles; the head should be in the center. The placement of the shoulders should be relaxed, and in equal height with the hips and the knees. Positioning the body correctly prevents fatigue and muscle aches at the end of the day, and gives the person a confident look as well.

Forward Head Posture – Corrective Measures

Having a forward head posture means that the spine may be slightly slouched, with the head slightly protruding forward. This is sometimes called the reading neck, or the scholar’s neck; it is among the most common and improper postures of the body. This incorrect positioning of the head is sometimes the cause of neck pain, headaches, and sometimes even cervical injury. This misalignment is often caused by prolonged driving, book reading, and computer usage. Correction of the forward neck starts with the person’s awareness on proper body positioning. Exercises are used to facilitate the realignment of the head to the spine; at times braces are used to give additional support to the body.