Posture

Are you feeling slouched and finding it hard to fix your "round-shouldered" posture?

Improper posture can create many types of back pain. The spine has three natural curves, one
in the neck, one in the mid-back, and one in the lower back. It is important to maintain these
curves so the body stays "stacked up" properly. When an improper posture is maintained for
extended periods of time the muscles can become weak and fatigued, resulting in burning or
sharp pain, headaches, as well as muscle spasm. Some muscle groups become over stretched
while other muscle groups become shortened. The ligaments (tough cord like tissue that
provide stability for the spine) and discs (spongy, shock absorbing tissue between the bones
of the spine) may also become irritated with improper posture, resulting in back aches and
stiffness. This abnormal posture condition is called Postural Dysfunction.

Postural dysfunction and its symptoms can generally be resolved with proper treatment,
including exercise and education, as well as modalities including heat, ultrasound, electrical
stimulation and massage.

The basic rules of Posture are as follows:

• The head should sit directly over the neck, chin tucked in slightly and not jutting forward. The ears should be over the shoulders.
• The shoulders should be level and "squared" back, not slumped or rounded forward.
• The mid-back should be straight up and not slumped forward.
• The hips should be in line with the shoulders and the ankles should be in line with the hips.
• When sitting, the hips and knees should be at 90 degree angles.
• A lumbar support can help maintain a natural curve in the low back.

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