If poor posture is causing you back pain, it's time to consider the many posture corrector products on the market. Some posture corrector products are designed as harnesses or back supports, while others come in the form of bras, pillows, braces, chairs, and even exercise equipment. Before choosing to purchase any posture corrector, however, it is important to understand that these products, while effective to a large degree, cannot do the job alone; you must commit to a regular routine of stretching and exercise to ensure the muscles that support the spine are strong enough and conditioned enough to do their jobs properly.
The first step in choosing the best posture corrector is to analyze your daily routines and habits to identify what might be causing or contributing to your poor posture. For many people who work at desk jobs, the way in which they sit at their desks can lead to poor posture and back pain. An ergonomic chair may help improve posture in this case. Such chairs feature lumbar spine support to keep the lower back from slumping backward, and neck support to keep the neck and shoulders from slouching. Adjustable armrests can help keep the arms and shoulders in proper position to prevent undue strain when typing and when looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.
A posture brace is an effective posture corrector, but it can be somewhat uncomfortable after long periods of use. Such a brace is often made of Lycra®, which is a stretchy, soft, breathable material that fits snugly around the area in need of posture correction. Some braces are designed to pull the shoulders back, while others are designed to keep the lower back in proper position. Some braces accomplish both tasks by wrapping around the entire upper body. Choose one that fits snugly, but choose one that is also breathable and will allow sweat and moisture to escape through the material to enhance comfort.
Exercise equipment is perhaps the best posture corrector one can purchase. Stability balls, free weights, and even multi-purpose home gyms can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Exercising core muscles is especially important, since these are the muscles that are primarily responsible for supporting the spine. These muscles include the stomach, groin, hip, and lower back muscles. The stronger these muscles get, the more efficient they will become at keeping the spine in proper position throughout the day.
