Do Posture Correctors Work?

In the present era, most people spend most of their time hunched over laptop and mobile phone screens. Over the time, it leads to back problems and an improper posture. Science and medicine combined to find a solution for posture issues and that resulted in posture corrector tools. In the article below, we will discuss the use of posture correctors for the back and understand if it is efficient enough to meet the needs of today.

What is a Posture Corrector?

A posture corrector is a device that is made to align the backbone and shoulder and maintain it in an upright position. Posture correctors are widely constructed and used in various forms such as straps and braces. Modern technology has also made the use of smart posture correctors possible. The smart posture correctors are modern wearables that provide frequent reminders to avoid hunching forward and align the posture correctly. The goal of posture correctors is to rectify the poor posture habits that often lead to backache, deformities, and chronic musculoskeletal health issues.

What is the importance of a good posture?

A good posture is one that has proper alignment of the backbone and shoulders and ensures an up straight position. A properly aligned back exerts lesser pressure on the associated ligaments and tendons, ensuring equal amount of pull on both sides of the spine. A good posture makes sure that the body works and faces everything efficiently while exerting minimal strength.

Mentioned below are some of the unwanted outcomes of bad posture that also highlights the importance of a proper posture.

Backache and Tense Neck – it is the most common and expected outcome of hunching position. It is perceived by the body as if due to excess fatigue that often leads to further stress on the body and mind. It also leads to headache as the tension in the neck and back also exerts stress on the head.

Problem Breathing – A bad posture means little room for effective inhalation and exhalation i.e., normal rhythmic breathing. It reduces the lung capacity by compressing on the chest cavity from behind that reduces the efficacy of breathing. 

Problem Digestion – A bad posture also affects the alignment of vital organs in the abdominal cavity as they already lack a thorough support around it. It results in upset digestion and repeated bloating. Individuals with poor posture since long often have protruded abdomen that reduces confidence in the social and professional settings.

How does a Posture Corrector work?

A posture corrector is designed with the aim to align the spine and shoulder to avoid the unwanted outcomes as those mentioned above due to poor posture.

Trying to get used to an up straight back after a chronic period of hunched back is often difficult and almost impossible without a continuous support system. An appropriated posture corrector provides adequate support to the back so that it can stay up straight without stooping in the usual angle. It exerts pressure on the upper back to pull the ligaments and muscles and make it stay in a normal and favourable posture. As the time progresses with wearing an appropriate posture corrector, the muscles of the back forms a memory and remembers to stay up right even when a posture corrector is not worn. Long-term use of posture corrector helps with aligning the spine correctly and reduce the unilateral stress on the involved musculoskeletal regions. It relieves the back from both stress and discomfort along with reducing that on the head and neck as well.

What are the Benefits of using Posture Correctors?

The appropriate use of posture correctors offers several health benefits. Enlisted below are some of the benefits.

1. Stress and Pain Relief

Users of posture correctors often report noticeable reduction in their complaints of head, neck, and back pain. The pain relief is due to reduction of stress on the muscles, ligaments and bones of the back and shoulders. The reduction in pain and stress thus provide relief to the back and shoulders and improve efficacy while studying or working.

2. Proper Breathing

Posture correctors ensure appropriate body posture that also enhances the efficiency of mechanism of breathing. It increases the capacity of the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to fully expand and relax during inhalation and exhalation respectively.

3. Increased Confidence

Appropriate body posture enhances the body image of an individual, giving a more self-assured look. Hunched back apparently decreases the height by a few inches that makes an individual look short and tired. Use of posture correctors and achieving the right posture makes it look like the consumer increased its height by a few inches that also increases the poise and confidence.

What are the Side effects of using Posture Correctors?

The benefits of posture correctors are many but that must not leave out the understanding of its drawbacks. Enlisted below are some of the side effects of using posture correctors.

1. Weakness in Muscles

Chronic use of posture correctors often leads to sensation of weakness in the muscles. While some individuals develop muscle memory in which individuals using posture correctors maintain correct posture even while not wearing one. On the other hand, others often depend on posture correctors and won’t support their upper back without wearing a posture corrector. This promotes dependency on devices and gradually weaking muscles of the back.

2. Skin Irritation

Some individuals often experience skin irritation and rash with use of wearable posture correctors, especially hot summers. Improper fitting of posture correctors also causes skin impressions and irritations that cause discomfort.

3. Not a One-Stop Solution for Posture

Individuals must not rely completely on the use of posture correctors as a one-stop solution for achieving appropriate posture. There are other measures for correcting posture as well such as exercises and lifestyle changes that must be incorporated with regular use of posture correctors to address the root cause of bad posture.

What are the effective techniques for regular use of Posture Correctors?

It is important to get to know about effective techniques to benefit most from the use of posture correctors. Enlisted below are some of the effective techniques that must be adopted with regular use of posture correctors.

1. Phased Use

Welzo advises phased use of posture correctors. It means that one must start wearing a posture corrector for a short period during the day and then increase the daily duration with passing time. It results in gradual adoption of muscles to posture correctors without completely relying on it and avoid any muscle weakness that may occur.

2. Regular Exercise

It is important to practice posture-strengthening yoga and exercises in routine to strengthen muscles of the back and shoulders. Exercises including planks and rows strengthens the core and gives enhanced outcomes with use of posture correctors as well.

3. Adjustments in Workplace

Make sure to use proper sitting place while working during the long hours. Avoid stooping and hunching over laptop screen by elevating the screen to your eye level. Make sure to sit on a comfortable chair and work over a table to avoid stressing the neck and back, hence enhancing the benefits of posture correctors.

4. Professional Advice

It is crucial to consult a healthcare expert for problems with the back and chronic cases of backache. Physiotherapists and chiropractors are experts that offer healthcare advice on backache and advise suitable posture correctors for individuals with poor posture.

People Also Ask

Are there any posture correctors for pregnant females?

Yes, posture correctors are popularly used by pregnant females. Maternity support bands or belts are devices used to provide support to the lower back and accommodate the needs of pregnancy. With advancing pregnancy, the straps of belts and bands can also be adjusted according to the increasing growth of the belly and load on the spine. These devices help at length in carrying out routine activities and reducing the chances of pregnancy-related discomfort and deformities such as lower backache, sacroiliac pain, and disc herniation.

How long does it take to notice results from using a posture corrector?

The duration it takes to fix the posture and align the spine and shoulders usually depends on the severity of the condition and ethic of using posture correctors. Typically, regular use of posture correctors must provide positive and noticeable outcomes within a few weeks of use. However, individuals seeking significant posture changes and long-lasting results must practice its consistent use for a long time along with lifestyle changes and exercises.

Conclusion

Most people spend most of their time hunched over laptop and mobile phone screens. Over the time, it leads to back problems and an improper posture. Science and medicine combined to find a solution for posture issues and that resulted in posture corrector tools. Poor posture reduces the lung capacity by compressing on the chest cavity from behind that reduces the efficacy of breathing. A posture corrector is a device that is made to align the backbone and shoulder and maintain it in an upright position. Posture correctors are widely constructed and used in various forms such as straps and braces. An appropriated posture corrector provides adequate support to the back so that it can stay up straight without stooping in the usual angle. It exerts pressure on the upper back to pull the ligaments and muscles and make it stay in a normal and favourable posture. A properly aligned back exerts lesser pressure on the associated ligaments and tendons, ensuring equal amount of pull on both sides of the spine. Regular exercises strengthen the core and gives enhanced outcomes with use of posture correctors as well. Physiotherapists and chiropractors are experts that must be sought for advice on chronic cases of backache and postural deformities.