What You Need to Know About the Effectiveness of Posture Correctors, According to Experts

According to experts, posture correctors could mitigate the repercussions of poor posture.

In recent times, the nature of work has shifted towards technology, causing many people to spend some part of their day hunched over tablets, computers, or phones.

Irrespective of you not consciously thinking about your posture during these work activities, it doesn't imply that it's not affected.

Approximately $134 billion was expended by Americans between 1996 and 2016 on remedies for neck and lower back pain attributed to bad posture. Statistically, around 40% of adults will grapple with back pain or postural issues at some stage in their lives.

Perhaps that's the reason for a recent surge in the popularity of posture correctors. 

These are contrivances worn above or below your clothes, designed to reposition the back to boost posture awareness and adjust shoulders to bring the spine into alignment. Most posture correctors are either braces or sports bras. However, others are electronic devices, gyroscopes, or magnets attached to the spine. 

Lisa Mitro, DPT, highlighted to Health that correct posture is crucial as it decreases undue stress on certain parts of your body that can stiffen up over time, limiting your mobility beyond sitting.

She emphasized the significance of correcting poor posture to ensure you enjoy non-sedentary activities without restrictions.

Nevertheless, not every posture corrector is manufactured identically or meant for everyone.

This article will highlight what you should understand regarding these trending gadgets and how you can ameliorate your posture without a posture corrector.

Heather Ippolito, an Alexander Technique teacher and Posture Coach, disclosed to Health that posture correctors, in theory, could serve as beneficial reminders to work on your posture.

She explained that there's no blanket advice for posture that fits everyone. A popular tip is to pull back your shoulders. However, many clients struggle to achieve improvements by following this guidance.

In this scenario, a posture corrector could provide the needed help.

When your shoulders are retracted, a posture corrector significantly improves your neck alignment, which reduces the forward head position that can facilitate the rounding of your shoulders.

This enhancement is vital as it offers you a wider range of neck motion with more stability compared to when your shoulders are unretracted.

That said, Ippolito clarified that these devices wouldn't necessarily rectify all your issues related to poor posture.

She believes that while posture correctors aren't harmful, they won't lead to lasting changes without you comprehending and addressing the individual patterns that led to your poor posture initially.

Essentially, posture correctors are targeted at individuals seeking to rectify minor postural issues, according to Mitro. She recommends anyone suffering from scoliosis or severe back pain to consult a medical professional before utilizing a posture corrector.

Determining the ideal posture corrector depends on your specific support requirements.

A shoulder brace is excellent for anyone hoping to improve their neck alignment and avoid slouching, while a full back brace is more suitable for someone requiring full support from the spine's base to the neck's top.

It's critical to ensure that the posture corrector is customized to your body size.

If you decide on a physical brace, it should fit snugly while allowing for movement and mobility. For a digital corrector, it should be appropriately fitted based on your height and weight.

Ippolito also suggests considering FDA-approved posture correctors and refraining from wearing them throughout the day.

As she stated, "If you opt for a posture corrector, be certain that it fits perfectly - neither too big nor too small. Equally, remember to also focus on your posture when not using the corrector. In the long run, you must develop the correct muscles to sustain any permanent postural modifications you wish to make."

Poor posture can lead to issues beyond back pain, making it crucial to prioritize correct posture for your overall health. 

Ippolito detailed that maintaining proper posture carries increased importance as we age. It aids in reducing back and neck pain, enhancing digestion, and boosting breathing capacity.

While a posture corrector can make you more aware of bad posture, there are other ways to address minor posture concerns. 

For instance, if your employment involves sitting at a desk all day and you notice your shoulders and head leaning forward, it might be time to reconsider your office layout. Consider investing in an ergonomic workstation featuring a standing desk or a chair with robust lumbar support and a computer screen at eye level. This approach can prevent back and neck pain.

“The best thing you can do when sitting is to keep changing positions,” adds Mitro. “Outside of work, it would be beneficial to strengthen your lower back, mid-back, and shoulders as well as your core.”

This includes workouts such as yoga, pilates, or barre classes. 

Core exercises like planks and crunches are also good options as they target and strengthen the abdomen and hips, which can help keep and maintain an upright and tight posture. 

Other ways to improve posture include standing tall, moving daily, and checking in on your posture every 30 minutes, correcting if needed. 

Ippolito explained that while exercise and posture correctors are great, understanding and then addressing why your posture is poor is key to improving it and finding the right treatment option. 

“So with a posture corrector, sure it may remind you to pull your shoulders back but posture is a full body experience that involves your head, neck, back, hips, all the way down to how you are standing on your feet,” Ippolito said. “A posture corrector will not address all that.”