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Posture

Improving Walking Posture: EP Functional Health Clinic

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For individuals with aches and pains after walking, the first thing to check is posture. How an individual holds their body is important in walking effortlessly and comfortably. Improving walking posture will make it easier to breathe and walk farther and faster. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can treat back problems, restore mobility, and retrain individuals on achieving and maintaining healthy posture.

Walking Posture

Sitting for extended periods weakens neck and back muscles and decreases spinal mobility, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy walking posture. Improving and maintaining healthy walking posture can go a long way regarding the body’s health.

Benefits

The benefits include:

  • Strengthened core, back, leg, and buttock muscles.
  • Improved balance and stability.
  • Easier breathing.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Improved walking speed, distance, and gait.
  • Back and hip discomfort symptoms prevention.
  • Decreased risk of injury and falling.

Set Up Posture

  • Stand up straight.
  • Engage the core.
  • Relax shoulders.
  • Keep the chin parallel to the ground.
  • Eyes forward.
  • Minimize leaning forward or backward.
  • Spend the first 15 seconds of walking focusing on posture.
  • Once a rhythm is achieved, periodically check yourself to ensure you stay consistent with proper posture until it becomes normal.

Stand up Straight

  • Visualize standing tall and straight.
  • Resist the temptation to slouch or arch the back.

Control Leaning Forward or Back

  • Leaning strains the back muscles when sitting, standing, and walking.
  • Leaning slightly forward from the ankles when walking up a hill.
  • Going downhill, leaning slightly forward, or maintaining a straight back is okay.

Keep Eyes Forward

  • Avoid looking down.
  • The focus should be about 20 feet ahead.
  • Maintaining a forward visual path allows individuals to see anything from the side.

Keep Chin Parallel to the Ground

  • This reduces strain on the neck and back.
  • A proper chin position maintains forward focus rather than down.

Shoulders Back and Relaxed

  • Shrug and allow the shoulders to fall and relax slightly back.
  • Loosening up the shoulders helps relieve tension and…
  • Positions the shoulders to use healthy arm motion while walking.
  • Shrug and re-loosen at intervals during the walk to ensure the shoulders stay relaxed.

Engage Core Muscles

  • The core muscles help resist slouching and leaning.
  • Keep the stomach pulled in slightly.
  • Take deep, full breaths to maintain a healthy walking posture.

Maintain Neutral Pelvis

  • Ensure the hips are not tilting forward or back while walking.
  • Practice sticking out the buttocks, tucking them in, and finding a natural middle.
  • The middle is the healthy balance that will keep you from arching the back muscles and spine.

Devices

  • Resist the urge to engage with the phone or activity monitor while walking and looking down.
  • Only look when necessary and then mindfully regain posture.
  • Some activity monitors have vibration alerts to reduce the need to look down.
  • Utilize earbuds or headphones for making and taking calls and other tasks.
  • Certain earbuds or headphones allow for voice commands, so you don’t have to look at the phone.

Chiropractic Realignment and Retraining

Maintaining proper posture is a gradual process. A chiropractor can correct years of practicing unhealthy postures like forward head issues or chronic slouching and realign the spine to restore optimal function.

  • A chiropractic therapy team will work on bones and muscles in specific body regions.
  • Massage will relax the muscle tissues to restore correct balance.
  • Chiropractic techniques will realign the neck, spine, hips, and pelvis.
  • Decompression therapy may be used to stretch the body.
  • Strengthening and stretching exercises will maintain adjustments.
  • Posture retraining will teach individuals to stay aware of their spinal position and help create healthy habits.

Regular posture checks, whether at work, school, just walking around doing errands, or exercising, will help the body learn proper positioning until it becomes second nature.


Revitalize and Rebuild


References

Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking in adults: A systematic review.” Gait & Posture vol. 62 (2018): 56-67. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.02.026

Hackford, Jessie, et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004

Lin, Guohao, et al. “The relationship between forward head posture, postural control, and gait: A systematic review.” Gait & Posture vol. 98 (2022): 316-329. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.008

Suh, Jee Hyun, et al. “The effect of lumbar stabilization and walking exercises on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 98,26 (2019): e16173. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016173

Woollacott, Marjorie, and Anne Shumway-Cook. “Attention and the control of posture and gait: a review of an emerging area of research.” Gait & Posture vol. 16,1 (2002): 1-14. doi:10.1016/s0966-6362(01)00156-4

General Disclaimer *

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Improving Walking Posture: EP Functional Health Clinic" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include  Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.

Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that are directly or indirectly related to our clinical scope of practice.

Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in
Texas & New Mexico*

Chiropractic Licenses:
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182

Nurse Practitioner Licenses:
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
New Mexico CNP License #: 90560, Verified 90560
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
Georgia APRN License #: GAA-NP005701

Multi-State Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN*) Texas & Multi-States 
Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (43 States)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 43 States*
Nursing Licensure Compact: Updated Here

DEA Registration: (Drug Enforcement Agency Registered) 
All medical (MDs) and family practice providers (FNP-APRN) are registered and licensed to offer various levels of medication.
Verify Providers Here

License Verification Link: Nursys License Verifier
* Prescriptive Authority Authorized (DEA Registered Providers). Call if Required

Board Certification:

ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*

Education:
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice, MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)


Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
DC & FNP License (Review Above)
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

 

Licenses and Board Certifications:

MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
FNP-BC: Family Practice Across Life Span (Neonatal to Geriatrics)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics

 

Family with Primary Care Focus (Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP)

  • The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) promotes, maintains, and restores health for individuals and families across the lifespan. FNPs also identify health risks, promote wellness, and diagnose and manage acute and chronic illness.
  • The FNP focuses on comprehensive primary care, promoting healthy lifestyles for patients across the lifespan in settings such as private practice, physician offices, and community health centers.

 

Memberships & Associations:

TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
TNP: Texas Nurse Practitioner Association ID: 2025091511
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurses Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)

 

Primary Taxonomy Selected Taxonomy State License Number
No 111N00000X - Chiropractor NM DC2182
Yes 111N00000X - Chiropractor TX DC5807
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family TX 1191402
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family FL 11043890
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family CO C-APN.0105610-C-NP
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NY N25929
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NM

90560

Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family GA GAA-NP005701

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Primary Care Across Lifespan—Neonatal / Pediatric / Adult / Geriatrics)
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

 

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

📆 Schedule Appointment: Schedule 24/7 (Click Here)

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.

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