How Poor Posture Causes Pain
How Poor Posture Causes Pain
And How Postural Awareness Can Help You Find Relief
Are you struggling with persistent pain and looking for an effective, non-invasive treatment approach? At Equilibrium, our multidisciplinary team offers several methods for managing discomfort, including one that might surprise you: addressing problems with your posture.
Posture — how you hold your body when you stand, sit, and move throughout the day — can contribute to headaches, neck pain, back pain, and more. Practicing postural awareness and maintaining proper body alignment play crucial roles in preventing pain and promoting overall well-being.
By paying attention to your posture during the day, you can identify and address potential posture-related problems before they escalate.
Take a moment to notice your posture, then keep reading to see how it could be affecting your body.
The Impact of Poor Posture on Different Types of Pain
Migraines and Headaches
The way you hold your neck and shoulders can contribute to tension headaches and migraines. Slouching or craning the neck forward puts excessive strain on the muscles and joints in the upper back and neck region, which can lead to and aggravate headaches. Improving posture through postural awareness, proper ergonomics, and exercises can relieve this strain and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Neck Pain
Prolonged forward head posture or hunching over electronic devices can cause neck pain and stiffness. Identifying and maintaining your ideal posture while sitting can help alleviate neck pain by reducing muscle tension and promoting proper joint position.
Upper Back Pain
Slouching or rounded shoulders can result in upper back pain. Strengthening the upper back muscles, correcting rounded shoulder posture, and incorporating regular breaks can significantly reduce upper back discomfort and improve overall posture.
Lower Back Pain
Sitting with poor posture, such as slumping or excessively arching the lower back, can lead to lower back pain. Engaging in exercises that restore or improve mobility, strengthen the core muscles, practicing proper sitting and standing posture, and using ergonomic supports like lumbar pillows or chairs can help alleviate lower back pain by providing support and reducing strain on the spine.
How the Equilibrium Team Can Help Improve Your Postural Awareness
Postural Awareness
Both our physiotherapists and chiropractors can conduct a comprehensive postural assessment by evaluating your standing, sitting, and walking posture to identify any misalignments, limitations in motion, or areas of tension. By understanding your unique postural patterns, we can tailor a treatment plan to address specific areas of concern.
Manual Therapy
Depending on your specific needs, our physiotherapists or chiropractors may use hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments or joint mobilization to address areas of restriction. These techniques can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance overall postural alignment.
Massage Therapy
Our massage therapists target tight muscles in your back that might pull your spine out of alignment. Releasing this tension can make it easier for you to move.
Muscle Strengthening
Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles that support good posture, such as the muscles of the neck, upper back, and core. Building these muscle groups helps stabilize the spine and shoulders to reduce strain on the neck and alleviate pain altogether.
Education and Awareness
One of the primary goals of our approach is to educate you about the importance of proper posture and how it contributes to discomfort. You’ll learn ergonomic principles for sitting and standing, techniques to maintain a neutral spine, and strategies to avoid common postural pitfalls.
Book an Appointment at Equilibrium Today!
Poor posture can have a significant impact on your physical health and lead to various types of pain and discomfort. You can enjoy a more active lifestyle by cultivating postural awareness, partnering with our multidisciplinary team to make necessary corrections, and adopting healthy habits.
Our team will work to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need in order to maintain proper posture long-term to alleviate and prevent pain and promote overall spinal health. So don’t wait for the pain to take over — come see us today!
Introducing Clinical Counseling at Equilibrium Clinics
Support for Your Mental and Emotional Well-being Is Now Just a Click Away
At Equilibrium Clinics, we believe that health and healing extend beyond the physical body. That’s why we’re thrilled to now offer clinical counselling services as part of our commitment to whole-person care.
Whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply navigating a difficult season of life, counselling provides a safe and supportive space to explore what you’re going through — with guidance from a skilled professional.
Our clinical counselling services are available virtually throughout BC, making it easier than ever to access compassionate mental health support from the comfort of home.
Meet Our Counsellors
We’re proud to introduce two incredible Clinical Counsellors in Victoria, BC, each bringing their own strengths and experience to our team:
Christopher Simon, MA, CCC
Christopher supports adults of all ages and backgrounds who are ready to make meaningful change — even if they’re not quite sure what that change is yet. He takes an integrated, trauma-informed approach, helping clients reflect on their coping strategies, identify inner strengths, and move toward more authentic, fulfilling lives. Whether you’re just beginning your therapeutic journey or returning after time away, Christopher offers thoughtful, non-judgmental support tailored to your needs.
Rachel Tang, MA, CCC
Rachel brings warmth, deep compassion, and a holistic perspective to her work. Her approach is client-centered, culturally aware, and justice-oriented. With years of experience in both research and therapy, she works with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic illness, and more. Rachel provides a steady, empathetic presence to help you process difficult emotions and build lasting emotional resilience.
What to Expect
● Virtual appointments for convenience and privacy
● Free 15-minute consultations to help you decide if counselling is the right fit
● Evidence-based, client-centered care grounded in compassion and respect
Our counsellors are here to meet you where you’re at — whether that’s in a moment of crisis, transition, or quiet self-reflection.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Booking a session is easy. Click Book Now below to learn more, meet our team, and schedule your free consultation.
Your mental health matters. Let’s take care of it — together.
KINESIOLOGY IS BACK AT TILLICUM
WELCOME GRAEME!
We’re excited to announce that Kinesiology services will be available again at our Tillicum clinic starting this June! Whether you’re working through an injury, returning to sport, or just looking to move and feel better in daily life — we’ve got you covered.
Joining us is Graeme, our newest Kinesiologist, who brings experience, passion, and a client-centered approach to rehabilitation.
Meet Graeme
Graeme was born and raised right here in Victoria, BC, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. Currently pursuing a career in Physiotherapy, he’s deeply committed to helping people move better and live more active, fulfilling lives.
An avid cyclist, rock climber, and skier, Graeme truly understands how important it is to keep the body functioning at its best — not only for sports, but also for everyday activities.
He has experience supporting clients who are:
- Recovering from motor vehicle accidents
- Managing chronic pain
- Working toward performance goals
- Seeking post-physio active rehab
What to Expect from Your Kinesiology Sessions
Graeme takes an evidence-informed, goal-driven approach that puts you at the center of care. He emphasizes:
- Education: So you understand the why behind each step
- Collaboration: Working with you, not just treating you
- Personalization: Your goals, lifestyle, and preferences shape the plan
Whether you’re rebuilding strength, improving mobility, or aiming for peak performance, Graeme is here to support your journey every step of the way.
Book with Graeme at Tillicum starting in June!
Contact reception or visit our website to reserve your spot and take the next step toward better movement and function.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“After my initial appointment, I knew I was in good hands because of how thoroughly he listened and conducted the consultation. Izu was very knowledgeable about my injury and clearly explained the issue, even providing helpful examples to prevent further stress on my lower spine and hip disc. His professionalism, expertise, and problem-solving skills are second to none. As I mentioned earlier, he truly aims to get to the root of the problem. In my case, he worked diligently, guiding me through adjustment and decompression treatments. The pain has now completely subsided — and the amazing news is, I’m back at the gym again! Thank you to you and your wonderful team for all your time and care!“
– Atta H.
“This is a healing center that you won’t regret visiting. They have all kinds of therapies to fix injuries. I’ve been here twice, and both times have been fantastic. I was lucky to find an appointment with a hip specialist named Dasz. After reading my intake form, he asked me about past therapies, physical activities, and healing goals. Dasz watched me perform some exercises to assess my range of motion so he could see where my problems were before starting with the therapy. I’m into deep tissue because I can handle pain, and I know how beneficial it is to get rid of the scar tissue and blockages you could have. It’s hard to find someone so knowledgeable who will describe the issues as he feels them. He found the needling spot on the back of my hamstring and proceeded to work on it. I was sweating 🥵 while deep breathing, trying to imagine how relieved I would feel the following day. My traps were also tense from all the sitting down and keyboarding I had done. It’s hard to describe how fluffy I felt after my last visit. Big thanks for all your hard work. I’ll be back soon!”
– Maliha S.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
Looking for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner packed with zesty spice and wholesome ingredients? This Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake is the perfect weeknight meal! Roasted baby red potatoes create a hearty base, while asparagus, Broccolini, and succulent shrimp are infused with a smoky chipotle-lime butter for a deliciously bold kick.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 3 medium limes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 pound Broccolini or broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 400°. Place potatoes in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; stir to combine. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, squeeze 1/3 cup juice from limes, reserving fruit. Combine the lime juice, melted butter, chipotle and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Remove pan from the oven; stir potatoes. Arrange asparagus, Broccolini, shrimp and reserved limes on top of potatoes. Pour lime juice mixture over vegetables and shrimp.
Bake until shrimp turn pink and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with minced fresh cilantro.
www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sheet-pan-chipotle-lime-shrimp-bake/
Exercise of the Month
Figure 4 Stretch
Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat, and in line with your hips. Bring either ankle to the opposite knee forming a figure four (i.e. cross your legs). Reach through your bent knee and grasp the back of the leg still on the ground and pull it towards your chest. You should feel the stretch in your buttocks. Keep your head and neck relaxed and hold the position. Repeat for both sides.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.