Can poor posture cause poor Health? Don’t be a slouch. Maintaining proper posture is more important than you think. Remember your parents and teachers telling you to sit up straight? Most of us thought this had to do with proper etiquette. The true meaning is much more significant. In fact, the benefits of good posture may be one of the best kept secrets to obtaining a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life. What is posture? Posture is the body’s alignment and positioning with respect to gravity. Whether we are sitting, standing or lying down, gravity exerts a force on our muscles, ligaments, joints, and nervous system. Good posture allows our body to distribute the forces of gravity evenly so no one structure is over-stressed. Why is good posture important? Just as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate, and serum cholesterol have normal values, the curves of the spine must also me maintained within normal limits or values. These normal values are maintained with good posture which creates balance and support for the entire body. One of the most important and overlooked reasons for maintaining good posture is your spinal cord, which is housed and protected by your spinal column (the bones). On page 4 of Grey’s Anatomy, 29the Edition, it states: “Of the nine systems of the body, the nervous system is supreme. It runs, regulates, and controls all other systems and relates the individual to their environment.” Maintaining good posture prevents any decrease in nerve impulse to the body’s systems so we may achieve optimal health. What causes bad posture? Many things can lead to bad posture, whether you are a workaholic, do-it-yourselfer, weekend warrior, gym rat, or couch potato. Some of the most common are a result from accidents, desk jobs, excessive weight, negative self-image, watching TV, careless standing, sitting, and sleeping habits, general weakness, and playing video games. Being more conscious and aware of your habits and activities can prevent side effects of poor posture. What are the side effects of poor posture? There are many side effects of poor posture; however, some of the most common include neck and back pain, headaches, arthritis, numbness or tingling in the hands or legs, fatigue, muscle tension, buffalo hump appearance, and stress. A high percentage of the population is developing a syndrome called Forward Head Posture. This syndrome not only contributes to a poor appearance but creates pain and pinches the nerves in the neck. Some people who believe that they have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may actually have an underlying instability in the neck causing their symptoms in the wrist. Can poor posture be corrected? Poor posture can be corrected; however, it requires dedication and compliance from the individual. Proper evaluation is the first step toward treating postural problems. It requires an extensive understanding of principles relating to the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems, and the interconnection between each. Addressing one without addressing the others will not result in permanent correction, and could possibly complicate or make a condition worse over time. A comprehensive examination and treatment programs are designed to address the postural faults that are unique to each individual. A protocol is tailored to get you out of any pain quickly, but more importantly to reinforce these new and proper corrections within the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems permanently. Through methods such as non-conventional chiropractic, non-surgical decompression therapy, customized exercise programs, and physiotherapy, proper function to the spine and nervous system is rehabilitated and restored. However, not everyone is a candidate for this type of rehabilitation, and each case must be carefully evaluated before care can be administered. Dr.
Woelfel and his staff are dedicated to providing honest quality
care. They listen and care about your health. If they are able to
help you or not, they will let you know.
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