At northlondonosteopaths many of the patients Alan Nevies and his colleagues treat are suffering from pain caused by poor posture. So they were particularly interested in an article in the Daily Telegraph, features, 12/5/25 by Susanna Galton. She interviews Dr Tom Oates, a consultant physician at the Royal London Hospital, who shares some simple suggestions with very significant benefits. The importance of good posture cannot be overstated. It affects everything, from how well you breathe to how efficiently your organs work. Back pain is the ailment most commonly associated with poor posture, but the American Migraine Foundation reported that people with migraines showed more evidence of neck disfunction than the general population. Dr Tom Oates says “Bad posture can increase shoulder tension which over time can lead to headaches”. Other areas where good posture may not be considered but are very important include how we sleep and how we digest our food. Dr Oates continues “If you neglect to stand, carry shopping or sit properly and consciously, eventually there will be compression on your organs, slowing the digestive process and causing stomach issues. Upright posture has been shown to improve the transit of intestinal gas and therefore might help overall digestion.” There may be a connection between poor posture and incontinence. Slouching increases abdominal pressure which then puts pressure on our bladders. How we stand can also decrease our pelvic floor muscles ability to hold tight against that pressure.

Alan Nevies and his colleagues confirm that there in no time to waste and nothing to loose. The following are 4 specific activities to do while being consciously aware of your posture

Standing: Stand the “Active Stand” Think NO SLOUCHING-grounded feet, long spine, light ribs.

Watching TV: The SOFA SLUMP is a crime against posture and the sure way to a premature hunchback. If it sounds dramatic it is just that. Instead sit upright on the edge of a cushion, keep your feet on the floor, knees lower than your hips with your chin slightly tucked in for cervical alignment

Sitting at the desk: No slumping to create a “desk cave” with our spines. Sit tall with feet flat and knees at 90 degrees. Lengthen your spine upwards, open your chest and relax your shoulders.

Lying down: Not the often recommended foetal position pose, but lie on your back with a small pillow under your knees to take pressure off your lower spine. Place a folded towel or soft pillow under your head to keep your neck neutral.Relax your shoulders with palms facing up and breathe deeply into your ribs for 3-5 minutes.

Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths hope that you put all this very good advice into action ASAP and reap great rewards from some minor tweaks in your every day life.