Poor posture is a universal issue that affects people of all ages. Spinal column misalignments can lead to many problems, including chronic pain, pinched nerves, reduced mobility, and an overall decreased quality of life. Many factors can contribute to poor posture, and addressing these factors and correcting postural imbalances is critical to maintaining spinal health and increasing quality of life.
In three months, about one in four adults in the U.S. experience at least one day of back pain. However, increases in sedentary lifestyles across all ages make poor posture an issue for all ages. Children and teens as young as age ten are experiencing posture-related deformities and ailments that can lead to more significant problems as they age. Addressing and correcting poor posture early on can help develop good habits that reduce adverse effects in adulthood.
For those who have already developed bad postural habits, there are many approaches to optimizing your spinal health and correcting poor posture before it becomes severe. Here, we will explore the complexities of poor posture and how chiropractic approaches are used to correct and realign your spinal column.
The Causes and Effects of Poor Posture
The spine is an integral part of the human body — providing the structure required for standing, sitting, walking, and moving. Our spine’s curves give us the flexibility, shock absorption, and support needed for everyday activities. However, modern lifestyles and sedentary activities can often disrupt our spine’s purpose. Prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and psychological stress put excess pressure on specific areas of the spine’s curves and minimize opportunities for our spine to stretch, flex, and decompress through movement.
When the spine is put under pressure for extended periods, poor posture can manifest in various common forms, such as:
Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine can cause leaning and pressure on one side of the body. Those with scoliosis often experience imbalances and pain in their back muscles as their body compensates for any leaning caused by spine deformities.
Kyphosis or “Hunchback”: Excessive outward curvature from the middle of the spine to the base of the neck can often cause hunching and put excessive pressure on shoulder and neck muscles.
Forward Head Posture: Desk workers or those who sit at computers for prolonged periods often protrude their heads forward, which can cause neck strain. Excess strain from poor desk posture can lead to pinched nerves and spinal compression.
Setting a Foundation For Good Posture
The spine consists of 33 stacked vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs. When viewed from the side, the ideal spine forms a soft S-shape. This structure allows vertebrae to flex and experience a wide range of motion while keeping the body stable. Instability can cause uneven weight distribution, affecting other body parts, such as your legs, neck, and shoulders.
When the spine is misaligned, it can disrupt the body’s overall equilibrium. Forward head posture can lead to increased stress on the neck, shoulders, and back muscles, often resulting in headaches and limited range of motion. Rounded shoulder posture can cause shoulder pain, impaired breathing, and even digestive issues. Seeking help to correct any postural issues is essential in maintaining your overall health.
Restoring Balance and Alignment With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring the spine’s structures to allow it to return to normal ranges of motion. By addressing misalignments in the spine, chiropractors can make adjustments that promote healing and restore function.
During your first visit, a chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination and gather information about your medical history. Then, they will perform a posture analysis and order any necessary tests. This information will help them identify the causes of your bad posture and develop a tailored treatment plan. Common techniques used to address postural issues include:
Postural analysis: Postural deviations are identified during a postural analysis. Chiropractors can develop a corrective treatment plan by gathering measurements, conducting tests to determine your spine’s range of motion, and evaluating symptoms.
Spinal adjustments: A chiropractor uses gentle, precise manipulations to restore joint mobility. One technique often associated with chiropractic adjustments is cavitation. This occurs when a joint is manipulated in a specific way, causing a sudden change in pressure within the joint capsule. The resulting release of gas creates a popping or cracking sound.
Soft tissue therapy: A chiropractor can utilize massage therapy and muscle stretching to release muscular tension and improve flexibility.
Spinal education: A chiropractor will provide guidance on posture and information on ergonomic practices and exercises to reinforce other treatments. They can also suggest ways to optimize your workspace and offer insight into tailoring your everyday routine to relieve pain.
In addition to these, a chiropractor might utilize a combination of other techniques, such as spinal decompression, activators, or flexion distraction, to achieve the best treatment results.
Seeing and Maintaining Results
The speed of results can vary from person to person. Severe postural issues can take much longer to address and treat than minor ones. Other factors, such as the patient’s overall health and adherence to prescribed treatment plans, might also affect treatment timelines.
Many patients report experiencing relief instantly, while others see and feel results within weeks of chiropractic treatment.
It’s important to note, however, that while chiropractic care can be highly effective, maintaining good habits and engaging in regular exercise is crucial to preventing the recurrence of postural issues. Understanding your spinal care and actively participating in your treatment plan is the first step in maximizing the benefits of chiropractic treatment.
Take Control of Your Postural Health
If you’re suffering from the effects of poor posture, visiting a chiropractor is the best way to optimize your overall health and get ahead of the complications of back pain. Through thorough evaluations, advanced treatment, and ergonomic practices, chiropractic care gives you the tools to prioritize your spinal health.
Take control of your spinal health and seek the relief you deserve. The chiropractors at Denver Integrated Spine Center are ready to help you recover from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and improve your posture for a painless future. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey towards proper posture.