Gransnet forums

Health

Poor posture

(9 Posts)
Sarnia Sat 03-Feb-24 13:08:23

I received lower spine injuries in a rail crash over 30 years ago. Thankfully, they were not severe enough to impinge on daily life and although painful I have managed to keep going. I found it more comfortable to bend over slightly from the waist when walking but I now stoop quite noticeably. I have downloaded exercises to do but it is slow going with little visible signs of progress. There are a multitude of appliances advertised on-line with glowing reviews of how they can get you standing straight again, but I am not sure about them. Do any of you wear something to straighten you up and do they work?

MayBee70 Sat 03-Feb-24 13:39:00

I looked at various things because I’ve always stooped a bit and it’s getting worse as I get older. When I go for a walk I usually wear a rucksack in the hope that it makes me walk more upright. I’ve got skin that’s thinning noticeably so can’t really wear any of the back braces I’ve seen advertised. I must start doing Pilates which I’m sure would help.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 03-Feb-24 13:45:11

Can you book yourself in for a physio assessment via your GP??

Gwyllt Sat 03-Feb-24 14:42:36

Physio first
If in agreement gentle pilates and or yoga I find a back pack make me ache between shoulders
This might sound daft but a light stick just as a reminder to stand up straight when tired not necessarily for support

MissAdventure Sat 03-Feb-24 14:54:26

You can get velcro fastening things (I dont know what else to call them)
They gently pull your shoulders back.
They are only as complicated as wearing a bra, and similar size.

seadragon Sat 03-Feb-24 15:00:34

At 5 ft 7" I was almost always the tallest in any class at school so tended to stoop. My dad, a military, man was always shouting "Shoulders back!!!" at me to no avail..... About 10 years ago, I bought a pair of Nordic Poles - £10 in charity shop; £100 new - which improved my fitness and posture enormously. I did watch a video to ensure I was using them correctly. (My husband uses one singly now as a support when walking) Interestingly, subsequent medical reviews revealed that I had gained and inch in height!

Joseann Sat 03-Feb-24 16:40:14

I do ballet (Silver Swans) which teaches you deportment. Also I was advised by physio cousin to lie on your front for 10 minutes when you can to fully stretch your spine.

Joseann Sat 03-Feb-24 17:03:41

Oh and I also have a lumbar roll cushion to put behind my lower back when driving. It's like a large sausage but it means you physically can't slouch.

McKenzie, a New Zealander, is the back expert. His book is good too. (Cousin trained under him and swears by his methods).

Septimia Sat 03-Feb-24 18:38:04

Whenever she left the house, my mum paused and put her shoulders back and consciously straightened as much as she could. She was fortunate, though, that she didn't have any major problems.

I really ought to remember to do the same...