How does bad posture affect your health

If you spend hours hunched over your computer, phone, or desk, you’ve likely wondered about the impact on your posture—and your health. The truth is, poor posture can have far-reaching consequences beyond just how you look.

“We often focus on posture’s aesthetic effects, but it significantly impacts both physical and mental health,” says Liza Egbogah, a chiropractor, osteopath, and myofascial release expert. Egbogah, the clinic director of The Fix in Toronto and creator of Dr. Liza ergonomic footwear, explains that bad posture can lead to headaches, neck and back pain, and even digestive issues like constipation and bloating due to increased pressure on the digestive system9.

Poor posture can also affect your stress levels. “Slouching raises cortisol levels, making you feel more anxious or depressed,” Egbogah notes. “On the other hand, standing tall with shoulders back boosts endorphin production, promoting a natural sense of well-being”9.