If you have to deal with constant back or neck pain, your first question is probably ‘why?’ It turns out that factors like poor posture, sitting for prolonged periods, and increased phone use can contribute to pain. But what does poor posture mean, and how do you know your posture needs a posture corrector? And if it does, how does posture corrector work?
While there’s no such thing as perfect posture, good posture refers to having a neutral spine. That means your joints, ligaments, and muscles are aligned perfectly, so there’s no stress on your back or neck.
If your spine alignment is out, you probably face the following symptoms:
• Strain in muscles or joints
• Pain in the back, neck, and head
• Chances of injury during activity, work, and exercise
Bad posture is quite common these days. While it doesn’t seem like a big deal right now, it affects self-confidence, general well-being, and overall appearance in the long term. Luckily, you still have a chance to improve your posture with the help of exercises and, if required, posture aids.
Even as you read this, the chances are that your lower back is rounded, core muscles engaged, and shoulders are a bit curved over. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry - you’re not alone.
While you may be aware that sitting straight or standing tall with your shoulders back is how your posture should be, your body may not always cooperate.
What Is a Posture Corrector?
Posture is a term that we use for describing a position when sitting or standing. It can naturally be divided into two types:
• Good posture: Positions with correct alignment of muscles, joints, and bones
• Bad posture: Positions with incorrect alignment of muscles, joints, and bones
Posture-corrector is a term that we use for gadgets that can fix bad posture and incorrect alignment. They are of various types, depending upon quality and cost. Posture-correcting gadgets include:
• Posture Corrector Braces,
• Shirts,
• Digital sensors,
• And belts,
They help in aligning your posture to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Do Posture Correctors Work? Limitation of Its Use
Posture correctors reduce painful sensations and make you aware of healthy posture, but there are certain limitations you need to follow, such as time limit. If you are using a posture corrector for 24 hours a day, it won’t provide the desired benefits.
Using posture correctors for more than 1 hour a day might cause problems with your core muscles. Therefore, limit your use for best results. In fact, many doctors suggest that wearing a posture corrector after work for 30 minutes a day helps body to get back to its proper posture. Half an hour is an ideal window of time to strengthen your back to maintain better posture.
A recent research review examined six studies altogether, claiming that wearable posture correctors, such as the shirt type worked very well. However, many other researchers have observed that this, or any other type of posture corrector, is effective to use with required limitation.
Top 5 Myths Related to Posture Correction
#1. Sitting straight or without bending your body can help you maintain your posture
#2. Pulling your shoulder to the backside can help you get a perfect posture
#3. Do the squats, as they would stretch out your spine muscles and offer a perfect body posture
#4. Bad postures lead to severe health issues
#5. Stretching your arm muscles would help
Can You Correct Years of Bad Posture?
Is it too late to save yourself from developing bad posture? No! Even if you’ve maintained poor posture for years, it is possible to make improvements. It is not as hard as you think to improve your posture. Most often, it occurs after you make a few changes to your routine and strengthen your muscles.
How Often Should You Wear a Posture Corrector?
While posture correctors help you set your posture in a perfect alignment, they are not recommended for long-term use. You should only use a posture corrector for short time periods because extended use might result in muscles weakness.
How Long to Wear a Posture Corrector a Day?
According to Dr. Zazulak, wearing a posture corrector for longer than 2 to 3 hours might affect your bones, joints, and muscles, making them weak. They might work as a supplementary tool, but they’re not suitable for long-term use.
How to Put On & Use a Posture Corrector?
Here are a few steps to help you wear a posture corrector:
• The first step is to loosen it and unhook the adjustable straps that are attached to the device
• Then, stand up straight against a wall to get in the best posture
• If you are already in the best posture, then put the posture corrector on
• Tighten the hooks and straps of the device against your body
• For a more comfortable position, you might wear it over your shirt
When Should You Wear a Posture Corrector?
As Dr. Okubadejo recommends, the patient has to wear a posture corrector when for 15 minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes a day. You should not use it for more than 3 to 4 days per week.
Is Posture Correctors Safe to Wear?
Posture correctors are safe when used properly. The overuse of posture corrector devices might cause atrophy, so refrain from using them for a longer time period.
5 Tips to Correct Poor Posture While Wearing a Posture Corrector
There is a list of tips that may help in correcting the bad posture; here are a few of the following:
#1. Exercise as much as you can to improve your posture
#2. Use a pillow on your back while watching television
#3. Limit your bending activities
#4. Make sure to sit correctly on your workstation
#5. Switch your positions more often