Pain

How to Boost Your Immune System: Understanding how poor posture negatively affects the immune system

Written by Stacey Mullis, OTR/L, ATP, NPI-CPS | Mar 21, 2023 2:14:06 PM

Poor posture can have a major impact on our overall health and well-being, including the functioning of our immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting our bodies from infections and illnesses, and when it’s compromised, we become more vulnerable to diseases.

One of the ways in which poor posture can negatively affect the immune system is by reducing lung capacity.

Poor posture can cause the chest to collapse and pushes the diaphragm up, making it harder for the body to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. This can negatively impact the functioning of the immune system, as it needs oxygen to function properly.

A collapsed poor posture can also cause muscle tension and compression of internal organs, including digestive organs.

This can reduce their ability to function optimally, affecting proper digestion which may impact the immune system. Additionally, poor posture can lead to a decrease in circulation, which can reduce the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body, including the immune system.

Furthermore, poor posture can cause spinal misalignment, which can put pressure on the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating and controlling many bodily functions, including the immune system. When the nervous system is under pressure, it can lead to a decrease in immune function and a higher susceptibility to illnesses.

Chronic inflammation is another way in which poor posture can negatively impact the immune system. Chronic inflammation is linked to several health problems, including a weakened immune system. When the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it can release pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can damage the immune system and reduce its ability to fight off infections.

Poor posture can also increase stress hormone levels. When the body is under stress, it can lead to an increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that suppresses immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

Finally, poor posture can cause sleep disturbances, which can also negatively affect the immune system. Sleep is a critical time for the body to repair and regenerate itself, including the immune system. Poor posture can cause discomfort and pain, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and a decrease in the body's ability to recover.

What can help me improve my posture?

An important thing to understand is that our body will adapt to the position it is in for long periods of time. And for many of us, it is sitting poorly for work all day. Our muscles and tendons adapt to this slouched posture with muscles in the back of the body lengthening and weakening, and the front of the body shortening and weakening.

 

This posture then translates to standing and the cycle continues! And unfortunately, most of us don’t connect poor posture with a compromised immune system.

One of the first things we can do if we sit most of the day at work is find a chair that supports the body in the right places to offer supported, good posture. Unfortunately, most chairs are not designed to hold the body in good posture. And then came Anthros.

Anthros is the only chair that is designed with an adjustable two-part back system that supports the pelvis in neutral, bringing the spine into an upright and optimal “S” curve and supporting it there.

So, if you’re looking to improve posture and comfort while sitting, look no further than Anthros.

Anthros is the only chair in the world that is guaranteed to improve posture or your money back. The science-backed, patented design is registered with the FDA as a posture-improving chair and is proven to have the lowest pressure (most comfortable) cushion on the planet (verified by university testing).

Take the next step to reducing pain, increasing comfort, and maximizing performance!