May is known as posture month to help educate the public about the consequences of the poor posture epidemic.  More people than ever are suffering with neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, headaches and numbness in the hands because of the increase usage of technology.  It’s gotten so bad that there is even a name for the condition:  text neck

or tech neck.  Many people present with forward head posture which can lead to many health issues. 

Thousands of chiropractors, doctors, physical therapists and trainers are leading the posture month to help people be more aware of how posture affects overall health.  Every year 65 million Americans suffer with back pain.  Posture related back problems are the 3rd leading cause for doctor’s visits.  Low back pain is the leading cause of disability under the age of 45.  Your posture is the window to your spine.  Improving posture can improve the quality of life present and future as you age.

People are sitting all day at desks causing compression of the low back and tightening of the hamstrings.  Computers are too low causing people to slouch forward and look down.  Texting with the head down adds more strain to the neck and upper back.  These postures add the pressure gravity normally stresses the spine causing people to feel and look older than they are.

Dr. Russell Brokstein, top rated chiropractor in Freehold NJ, is sponsoring Posture Month this May.  He participates each year to help the public understand the risks of bad posture.  “In our office we do a complete postural evaluation to determine the imbalances that can lead to not only pain but health problems.  We perform a computerized spinal exam that shows where there is nerve and muscle imbalances.  Then we do orthopedic tests, chiropractic exams, muscle strength and flexibility to find the cause of those imbalances.  This helps us create a treatment plan incorporating chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic stretching and stabilization exercises to help you improve your posture for better health, longevity, pain relief and aging well.”

Dr. Brokstein shows home stretching and exercises.  These spinal hygiene exercises help expedite improving posture and preventing future problems.  Further recommendations for changes at home, work and play help improve posture and body mechanics.

Take a part in National Correct Posture Month and experience these benefits of improving your posture:

• extra height
• fatigue prevention
• prevent strains and pain
• reduce wear and tear on joints, tendons and ligaments
• prevent arthritis and impairment of circulation and digestive systems
• improved appearance

If you live near Freehold, NJ, contact Dr. Brokstein at Hometown Family Wellness Center.  Call 732-780-0044 to schedule a complete postural and spinal exam to get started to optimizing your health.