When most people think of good posture, they think of shoulders pulled back, head held high, chin up and back flat.

In reality, good posture is more about trying to keep the natural curves of the back in balance when standing, sitting or lying. When these curves are in their resting or neutral state, they experience the least strain.

Never too late ... good posture can be acquired at any stage of life.

Good posture improves circulation and breathing, boosts the nervous system, enhances exercise performance, reduces the risk of injury and accelerates healing from injury.

The spinal column has many functions, including supporting and protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots. It consists of small bones, the vertebrae, stacked one on top of the other like blocks, and discs that act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to move.