
29/08/2025
New blog post by Osteopath Luke Dawson
Posture and Pain: What Does the Evidence Really Say?
For years, posture has been blamed as a major cause of pain — whether it’s slouching at a desk, standing “incorrectly,” or looking down at your phone. The common belief is that “bad posture” equals pain, while “good posture” prevents it. But when we look at the evidence, the story isn’t so simple.
Large studies have consistently shown that there’s no strong link between posture and pain. People with upright, textbook-perfect posture experience pain just as often as those with slouched or asymmetrical postures. In other words, the way you hold yourself is not a direct predictor of whether you’ll have back or neck pain.
So what does matter? Your body thrives on movement and variety. Holding any posture for too long — even what we might call “perfect” posture — can lead to stiffness, tension, and discomfort. That’s why the best posture is always your next posture. Changing positions regularly, introducing small movements, and avoiding prolonged stillness are far more important than chasing the elusive “ideal” alignment.
As osteopaths, our goal isn’t to force you into a rigid mould of “good posture,” but to help you move more freely, comfortably, and confidently in your body.
To read the whole blog including the references, visit:
https://kingscliffosteopathy.com/posture-and-pain-what-does-the-evidence-really-say/