Dr. Dave Crosson & Dr. Jennine Morgan at ChiroFit in Barrington - Photographed by Julie Linnekin

“Stand up straight.”  That’s what your mother or your teacher probably told you growing up.  It’s good advice, but as ChiroFit’s Dr. Dave Crosson and Dr. Jennine Morgan tell us there is more every one of us can do to improve our posture and, in turn, improve our health.

Dr. Dave Crosson & Dr. Jennine Morgan at ChiroFit in Barrington - Photographed by Julie Linnekin
Dr. Dave Crosson & Dr. Jennine Morgan at ChiroFit in Barrington – Photographed by Julie Linnekin

Dr. Dave says, “If you’re not maintaining your spinal health, eventually you’ll develop faulty muscle movements and your body is going to break down.”

Maintaining Spinal Health with ChiroFit - Photographed by Julie Linnekin
Maintaining Spinal Health at ChiroFit – Photographed by Julie Linnekin

But if you’re worried you’ve neglected your bones for too long, don’t fret.  Dr. Dave and Dr. Jennine say it is never too late to improve muscle movement and quality of life.

“Self-care exercise at home is key,” says Dr. Dave.  “There are a ton of things out there that people should be doing because we are all so sedentary all day long.”

So the doctors suggest that we get up on our feet, no matter our age, and start with these five easy tips that can improve your posture… pronto!

Take Microbreaks

“Sitting for extended periods of time puts abnormal stress on the spine.  Make sure to take ‘Microbreaks’ after 15-20 minutes of sitting.  Stand up, reach up and then take a quick stroll.  With just a three minute ‘Microbreak,’your productivity will improve and fatigue will decrease.”

Shoulder Switch

“If you’re carrying something like a bag or purse, change shoulders often.  Do not overload the bag with unnecessary or heavy items.  If it’s a backpack, make sure it fits properly and is worn on both shoulders.  And men, take the wallet out of the back pocket and place it in your front pocket.”

Take a Breath

“Make sure to breathe through your diaphragm, not your chest.  Most people breathe with the accessory muscles in their upper backs which adds undue tension in the neck and shoulders.  To practice, lie on your back and place something light like a small book on your stomach, bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the ground.  Focus on pushing your low back into the floor while breathing-in, making the book rise.  As you exhale, the diaphragm should force the breath out of your lungs and the book should sink down with your stomach.”

Heads Up

“Did you know the average teenager sends and receives approximately 11,000 text messages per month, with 30 hours of use?  Looking down to use your phone adds 10 pounds of pressure to the neck and upper back.  No wonder you and/or your teenager suffer from headaches and neck pain.  So, keep your head up!  And don’t forget to adjust your computer screens.  As you sit at your work station, your eyes should be level to a point 1-3 below the monitor.  The monitor should be about arm’s length away from your face.  Your chair should recline to about 100-110 degrees.  The work station is vital.”   CLICK HERE to find more of ChiroFit’s workstation tips.

Stand Up Straight

“Conventional wisdom tells you that your shoulder blades should be ‘down and back’ for correct posture.  While this is ‘ok’, this puts the scapula (shoulder blade) in a less than advantageous position.  A better cue would be to open up the chest and push the shoulder out.  This will put your scapula in a better position and improve your posture.”

ChiroFit is located at 303 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 102 in Barrington.  For more information or to schedule an appointment call (847) 382-3194 or visit ChiroFitChicago.com.

We’re excited to welcome ChiroFit as the newest member to join our Barrington Online Marketplace. 

For more info about Dr. Dave Crosson, Dr. Jennine Morgan and the patients who can’t live without ChiroFit, CLICK HERE to visit the ChiroFit profile page we just published in our Barrington Online Marketplace here at 365Barrington.com.

In case you’re new to 365Barrington.com, here’s how the Marketplace works…

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At the beginning of each week, we introduce you to the latest members who join our Barrington Online Marketplace , a new & different online directory of all things Barrington here at 365Barrington.com.  We also feature the new members in the email we send weekly to subscribers who’ve signed up for our newsletter, The 365 Barrington Buzz. If you’d like to receive those emails, which will also include information about upcoming events, we’d be happy to include you. Just enter your email here and click “Submit”.

Fill out my online form.
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You’ll find the Barrington Online Marketplace at 365Barrington.com/Marketplace. To have your business, organization or event featured, fill out the form or call the number below and we’ll be in touch with more information.

Fill out my online form.
We look forward to connecting with you!  Thank you for being here, Liz

2 Comments

  1. Dr. Dave and his staff are great! Not a week goes by that I don’t go in at least twice so they can fix me. Being a Coach I’m constantly on my feet demonstrating body weight and barbell movements in the gym which causes my body to take a pounding. Since I started working with Dave a year ago I feel great.

    Regardless of what you do for a living be it sit at a desk, drive to sales calls, walk the floors of a hospital etc. you more than likely have movement faults that will cause issues over time. Get in, figure out where you have issues and let Chirofit help you fix them. Your quality of life will improve.

    Brian Niven
    Owner CrossFit Barrington

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