Pain & Posture- Is "Bad posture" really the cause?

Back and neck pain are some of the most common problems we see at Forrestfield Physiotherapy. Many people believe that “bad posture” is the main cause – but research tells us it’s not that simple.

You’ve probably heard things like:

• “Sit up straight.”

• “Don’t slouch.”

• “Your posture is ruining your back.”

For years, posture has been blamed as a major cause of our pain. But research tells a different story.

Studies show there is no strong link between posture and pain. People sit, stand and move in many different ways, and most of these are completely normal. What we do know is that staying in any position for too long – even a perfectly upright one – can lead to discomfort.

Why posture changes when you’re in pain

It’s also common for people in pain to change how they hold themselves to protect sensitive areas. This is often the body’s natural way of protecting or offloading sensitive areas. In many cases, posture changes because of pain, rather than being the cause.

How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapists can still use posture as a helpful tool to reduce pain and improve movement by:

-            Temporarily modifying postures to reduce discomfort

-            Gradual exposure to different postures with exercise and reassurance

-            Building control and confidence in the body

This helps people move more comfortably and reduces the likelihood of pain flare-ups.

Rather than worrying about sitting or standing perfectly, focus on staying active, changing positions regularly, and building confidence in movement.

If pain is affecting your day-to-day activities, we can help guide you through strategies that improve comfort, movement and function — without the fear of “bad posture”.

Our experienced Physiotherapists are experts in the assessment of pain, and can help you achieve ongoing relief without just blaming your posture! Book in to see us today.