These continuous reminders may have infuriated us but good posture creates more than just an appearance of confidence, it affects our physical condition.

Proper posture means our muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves are able to operate as they should ? and without interference. Sure, we are supposed to be flexible ? but being crooked, bent or just hunched over means we are working against our optimal design.

In modern society many activities result in non-neutral body positions, such as computer work, driving, and TV watching, the main result being forward head placement. These non neutral positions result in much stress and strain on your neck and shoulder muscles, often leading to pain, discomfort and headaches.

Now think of your head as a twelve to fifteen pound bowling ball. Kind of heavy, is it not?

Imagine holding that bowling ball out from the top of your body just an inch or two. It might be easy to hold it straight above of your shoulders, but repositioning it out just a little bit becomes quite a lot of work and the bowling ball gets heavy real soon, does it not?

The best position for your head is therefore a no-brainer and it is supposed to be right over the top of your neck and shoulders. And if we hold our heads forward even 1 inch in front of its normal position, our neck has to work quite a lost harder to hold it there (think of the bowling ball).

Prolonged strain and pressure on your neck can be bad as a severe automobile accident. As a doctor, I have seen this in patient after patient. The discs in the neck can become herniated from the unusual pressure and forward positioning. The muscles in the front of the neck are overworked and shortened while those in the back of your neck is stretched and strained.

If you are feeling neck pain, shoulder pain or headaches, it may be from incorrect posture, but there are some actions that you can take to help yourself.

Its about YOU!

Understanding your problems will come from assessing your special situation.

So before you begin doing any exercises, buy that special chair, back support or whatever ? before you spend any money on resolving your problem ? get a professional assessment of your situation. Chiropractors are specially-trained in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system ? a fancy way of saying that they know a thing or two about posture.

So, your first step is to have your posture by a chiropractor.

Even before you go see your chosen chiropractor, a straightforward posture check that you can do at home is easily performed to rapidly identify some key issues. To complete this test stand with your back towards the wall about six inches away, back up and note which body parts reaches the wall first.

1) head

2) Shoulders

3) Derriere

4) Heels

If all four of body parts did not touch the wall at the same time ? then you failed the test and your posture needs work.

Your muscles are responsible for your posture and some simple stretching and strengthening can help these muscles begin functioning optimally again.

If you noticed that your shoulders failed to reach first you can focus on stretching your pectoral or chest muscles. Stretching these muscles is as easy as locating a door frame then standing in the doorway and holding one arm up so that the door frame is at the elbow part of your arm, slowly step forward until you feel the stretch across your chest. Repeat this with the other arm. This stretch will open your chest and your shoulders will no longer be hunching forward.

If your posture includes significant forward head position, your head will not have touched first. This can be corrected by lengthening the muscles in the front of your neck and strengthening the ones in the back with a simple chin tuck. Start by standing or sitting straight up and pull your chin back towards your body using your neck muscles, and hold for 5-15 seconds and return to the initial location.

Doing the right exercises to correct your posture is STEP TWO of the solution.

Fortunately for most of us easy movements and awareness of posture reduce neck pain. For others though, additional chiropractic treatment is warranted, especially for long standing postural issues that went unattended for years.

Unfortunately, the body has no natural way to dispose of scar tissue ? and neither can you exercise it away. However, various methods have been developed to remove scar tissue from inside your body. Chiropractors knowledgeable in either Active Release Techniques and the Graston Technique will be able to eliminate your scar tissue so that proper posture can be restored.

The old admonition to stand up straight holds true, not only to improve your posture, but also your health. Professional Chiropractors are available to evaluate you and your posture, give suggestions, and treat you, all in the hopes of improving your overall health.

If you are looking for a Houston Clear Lake chiropractor, contact Dr. Alice Sexton at HealthSource of Clear Lake. Dr. Sexton can help eliminate your neck pain. As a limited time offer, Dr. Sexton is offering 50% off an initial, comprehensive exam. Call 281-286-2229 to set your appointment now.

1. Begin with the end in mind- Is there something you want to accomplish this year? What do you want? To lose weight? Gain muscle? Make more friends? Have more time with your family? Your goals are yours. Establish goals in all aspects of your life starting with the end in mind. From there you can work backwards. All goals must be measurable and obtainable. To help you with the brainstorming process, utilize MindMapping software. You can download a free version of Free Mind and map your thoughts. Define EXACTLY what you want! Remember that fuzzy targets do not get hit!

2. Control self talk-Our thoughts are the most powerful tools we have. Thoughts are critical factors in our success and this is why I refer to them as tools. Understand now that controlling your thoughts dictates the outcome of the game. You have the ability to control the messages in your brain; the 2500 words per minute running through your mind that dictate who you are, and what you are capable of. Most of these thoughts have been taught to us by somebody else. Are you even aware that your attitudes about health and wealth were sculpted by your mothers, fathers, teachers, preachers, coaches and big pharmacy since birth? Start sifting through the rubble of such thoughts and ask if your beliefs are serving you or not. As we start to change our beliefs on a fundamental level, our outcome potential also changes dramatically. Visualize yourself a lean, toned, athletic, wealthy and successful individual. Believe you are on your way there now. Change your beliefs about what is possible. Modify the self talk and I promise you will change your life!

3. Write it down- By recording every bite of food that goes into your mouth this month, I promise you that you will lose 10 pounds in 30 days. Do not believe me? Do it and prove me wrong. Successful people keep score because they know what is at stake. Play every ace you have! Record your decisions and ask a friend if they believe the choices you are making are driving you closer to or further from your goal.

Implement these three powerful strategies today and believe they will change your life. Know that they will work! Fail forward FAST and without fear. If you want something to change in your life, YOU must change. Believe that everything you desire is obtainable and expect miracles to happen! I wish you a life of abundance! This is Dr. Shaun Stuto.

Dr. Shaun Stuto is a Missoula Chiropractor and the founder of Transormation Chiropractic in Missoula, MT. Call TODAY and Schedule an appointment (406) 728-1250