improving your posture through spinal re-alignment techniques
Poor Posture – Causes Symptoms and Treatment
Correct Posture
It turns out that all those times your parents told you to sit up straight and stop slouching had merit! Poor posture leads to a wide range of (often avoidable) problems that can affect your overall wellbeing, including neck pain, back pain and headaches. Poor posture can also be a precursor to early spinal disease.
While posture typically deteriorates with time, the good news it is never too late to get started. Not only do we have a number of skilled experts at North Shore Family Chiropractors, but we utilise the most researched chiropractic technique in the world, Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP).
CBP research allows us to understand why you have a postural problem and the best method to correcting it. For example CBP research proves that the spine has an optimal structure called the Ideal Spine. When reviewing a spine from the side, an Ideal Spine will have 3 distinct, but balanced curves which are essential for healthy posture.
Causes of Poor Posture
Sadly, it is not unusual for someone to not realise they have poor posture until it is too late. Yet, with a little awareness and conscious effort we can help you develop an Ideal Spine. Some of the elements which can cause postural problems include:
- Occupational stress and poorly designed workspaces – sedentary jobs often lead to poor posture due to fatigue and or poorly set up workspaces. Many people fail to realise that it is essential you are set up to have the right back support for posture strength.
- Excessive use of Ipads, laptops and smart phones
- Jobs which require you to stand for long periods of time also can cause issues.
Accidents and injuries - Excessive weight – this should be no surprise. The heavier you weigh the harder it is to maintain a healthy posture.
Poor sleeping habits - Foot problems or improper shoes – This could be good news for those of us that don’t like wearing high heels. The National posture institute indicates high heels as a key cause of poor posture.
- Pregnancy – naturally the additional weight of your baby can affect your normal everyday posture.
- Negative self-image
- Habit – when you have been unconsciously doing something for as long as you can remember, it can be tough to break the cycle.
Symptoms
- General tiredness – your muscles have to work hard just to hold you up. Just moving around wastes a lot of energy and so you may feel exhausted all the time.
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A lifetime of poor posture will result in a progression of symptoms, such as:
- Stiff and aching muscles in the neck, back, arms and legs – When poor posture goes untreated there may be a change in your muscles and ligaments and you may have a stiff, tight, painful feeling. More than 80% of neck and back problems are a result of tight muscles brought on by years of poor
- Arthritis-like joint pain – Poor posture increases the risk of “wear-and-tear” arthritis, or what is commonly called degenerative osteoarthritis.
- Poor organ function – rounding of your shoulders will crowd internal organs such as your heart and lungs which in turn hinders efficient breathing. Sagging abdominal organs may reduce healthy digestion and elimination functions.
While we use state of the art technology to accurately and completely assess your posture, there a few physical clear indicators of poor posture you can look for yourself.
When examined from behind you, we may notice you have:
- One ear lower than the other
- Your head turned to the right or left
- Shoulders higher on one side
- Spine curved to the side
- One hip higher than the other
- Feet turned in or out
When examined from the side, your:
- Head sits forward
- Upper back curve is flat
- Shoulders are rounded
- Stomach sticks out
- Lower back is too curved
If you can see these indicators for yourself, don’t wait any longer, contact our team at North Shore Family Chiropractors and correct your posture today.
Treatment of Poor Posture
At North Shore Family Chiropractors, your first appointment will be an assessment with your Chiropractor. In this session we work to understand your symptoms, medical history and evaluate your posture with digital posture software and in-house x-ray analysis as well as a physical examination.
X-ray analysis enables us to confirm the extent of the problem and create an individualised program of care. Your results and our recommendations are based on detailed measurements of the curves in your spine which are compared to healthy, normal expectations. We will also match those results with your current lifestyle characteristics.
On your second appointment we will detail our observations and present you with a treatment plan to improve your posture and your overall health. This treatment plan will be developed based on your requirements to restore proper alignment, relieve pain, and improve function. Contact us and arrange your first appointment today.
What is corrective postural treatment?
Corrective postural treatment is focused on restoring normal movement and alignment to the spine, allowing the body to begin the healing process. We use only clinically proven posture correction techniques. Our process includes:
- Chiropractic adjustments to align and restore movement of the spine
- Spine-focused traction programs using our CBP equipment
- Postural rehabilitation exercises
- Injury Prevention and Lifestyle Education
Remember, you’re never too old to start. Why wait?
Let us help relieve your pain
New Patient Consultation and Examination:
$58
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