"Stand up straight!" "Pull your shoulders back!" As children, we were told to have good posture. Yet we were seldom taught effective ways to accomplish this. Indeed, we were often not even told just what "good posture" is.

The consequences of this information gap can be seen all around us: stiff necks, shoulders hunched forward or pulled tightly back, restricted breathing, and tightness in the thighs, legs and ankles. Backaches, headaches, and other painful symptoms are often the unfortunate result.

The Posture Page provides practical picture information about methods that have a history of helping people improve their posture. These methods vary widely in their approach. Different techniques may appeal to - and be more useful to - different people.

1. Good muscle flexibility
   
2. Normal motion in the joints
   
3. Strong postural muscles.
   
4. A balance of muscles on both sides of the spine.
   
5. Awareness of your own posture, plus awareness of proper posture which leads to conscious correction. With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture.
   

• obesity
  
• pregnancy
  
• weak muscles
  
• high-heeled shoes
  
• tight muscles; decreased flexibility
  
• poor work environment
  
• poor sitting and standing habits