Our bodies aren’t designed for slouching. Slouching can cause joint pain, back pain, muscle tension, and general discomfort. While you might know this information, remembering not to slouch isn’t always easy. Fortunately, a number of innovative products on the market are designed with our postural needs in mind. You might form better habits and prioritize your spinal health when you utilize some of these products:
Compression Socks
You might explore FSA compression socks when you have circulatory issues, diabetes, or want to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. However, studies have shown that these issues aren’t all compression socks can be helpful for. They may also promote postural stability, especially in people with ankle instability.
The study evaluated 20 people with chronic ankle stability and measured their postural sway and balance. Research showed that those wearing the sub-clinical and clinical compression socks enjoyed greater postural stability than when in bare feet.
Solid Shoulder Braces
You might not always remember to stand straight, but a unisex solid shoulder brace won’t let you forget. These comfortable correctors are a series of straps that are designed to support your upper back for better posture. You can wear them under clothes, and they aren’t visible through most garments. These shoulder brace products are also mainly adjustable to suit your unique body shape.
Wearables
Not everyone wants to wear straps and shirts designed to improve their posture without them needing to remember. Some people prefer to improve their posture by actively remembering to sit up straight. In that case, wearable devices connected to apps might be worth exploring.
Some companies offer wearable devices like necklaces and bracelets that vibrate to remind you to sit up straight. The more often you’re reminded, the easier it can be for you to form a new, healthier posture habit.
Laptop Stands
You don’t always have to wear products to improve your posture. Think about the environments in which your stance is at its worst. If you can improve that environment, you may be able to improve your posture.
Office workers who slouch due to poor screen placement may see the value in a laptop stand. These stands can be adjusted to the most appropriate height. Adjust the monitor to where the top of your computer screen is at or just under eye level. Your eyes should look slightly down when facing the middle of your screen. You can also combine laptop stands with other ergonomic adjustments like an ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and a more supportive chair.
Posture-Correcting Garments
Try posture-correcting garments if you want to enjoy better posture and know you’ll struggle to remember without help. Many garments now contain a posture modification system (PMSS) with textile elastic bands in compression garments. These are supposed to mimic the back muscles’ structure and support. A small study supported the idea that such garments could help people enjoy a more erect and balanced posture compared to shapewear garments without the posture system.
Making postural improvements can be challenging when you’re so used to slouching. However, you might enjoy some surprising results by trying some of the products above.
