Start with the task
Picture holding a bag close to you, then at arm’s length. The weight stays the same, but the muscular effort changes. Your head, arms and upper body also have weight. Their position and support influence the demands of an everyday task.
Posture is one part of the picture. Time spent in a position, movement, strength, recovery, old injuries and your health also matter. A photograph alone cannot establish the cause of pain or show whether a tissue is damaged.
What we assess
- Your concern: discomfort, visible changes, fatigue or a task that has become difficult.
- Your movement: how you move between positions and what feels restricted.
- Your daily demands: work, study, driving, lifting, sport and rest.
- Your capacity and health: relevant strength, endurance, injuries and other findings.
Bring one real example rather than trying to present a “perfect” posture. If helpful, describe your usual workstation or the task you want to improve.
Practical changes you can use
Advice may include adjusting support, reducing repeated reaching, changing position, breaking up prolonged sitting or standing, and building strength or endurance through suitable exercise. The aim is an approach that fits your body and your day, rather than holding yourself rigidly.
Discuss any new or progressive change in your posture, especially after an injury or with pain or neurological symptoms. Some changes need further medical assessment.
How chiropractic care connects posture and movement
A mechanical approach looks at how joint movement, muscle capacity and the demands of a task work together. If movement is painful or restricted, suitable hands-on care may be considered alongside exercise. Posture education then helps you apply movement, support and load-management strategies in everyday life.
Useful changes might include bringing a task closer, sharing a load differently, varying positions or building the strength to sustain an activity. The long-term aim is to maintain comfort and function as you age. A change in posture is not, by itself, evidence that degeneration has slowed or nerve pressure has been relieved.
The Dr Posture® connection
Dr David Shahar’s research and clinical interests include posture, mechanical loading and skeletal adaptation. He created Dr Posture® to make these subjects easier to understand through illustrations and practical explanations.
Explore the Manubrium Lift® awareness cue, everyday posture guides and exercise resources. Ask which are appropriate for you. These resources do not establish that a particular cue prevents degeneration or guarantees pain relief.
Your questions.
Is poor posture always the cause of pain?
No. Posture can affect the demands of a task, but pain has multiple influences. Assessment considers your symptoms, movement, health and circumstances together.
Can posture work reverse degeneration?
This website does not promise reversal of structural changes. Care can focus on comfort, function, capacity and managing daily demands. Findings and achievable goals should be discussed individually.
Can I use a DVA referral or GP care plan?
Eligible DVA and GP care-plan patients are welcome, with no out-of-pocket fee for covered visits. A valid referral and available funded visits are required. See the funding information.
References & further reading
- Healthdirect Australia — How to improve your posture
- Safe Work Australia — Sitting and standing
- Dr David Shahar — Research and clinical approach
- Stokes & Iatridis — Mechanical conditions and disc degeneration
General information. Suitability for care follows individual assessment. Read the health information disclaimer. Information updated 6 November 2026.