- Anatomy of The Spine
- Back Pain in Children
- Caring for your Spine
- Emerging Spinecare Trends
- Evaluation of Spinal Disorders
- Exercise and The Spine
- Intervention - Spinal Disorders
- Intervertebral Disc
- Non Surgical Options
- Nutrition and Spinecare
- Options for Spine Treatments
- Pregnancy and Back Pain
- Prevalence of Spine Disorders
- Sleep and the Spine
- Spinecare Introduction
- Spinehealth and Disease
- Surgical Interventions
- Treatment with Medications
- Understanding Back Pain
Spinecare Topics
Caring for your Spine
Postural Awareness
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Postural Awareness
Complications of Poor Posture
Poor posture can place significant strain upon muscles and supportive connective tissues of the spine. Chronic poor posture can lead to physical alteration of structural characteristics of the spine and to altered neurological control of muscles. Some studies have suggested that chronic adverse posture can lead to accelerated degenerative changes of supportive and weightbearing elements of the spine particularly the intervertebral discs and the facet joints. Spinal muscles, which are chronically stretched or elongated due to poor posture, can adapt to this position rendering it difficult to consciously assume a good posture. Stretched muscles become less efficient at contracting and performing work.
Postures
Static Postures
Static postures can place a deal of stress upon tissues of the spine if an inefficient position is maintained for a prolonged period of time. During the course of a day we all spend a great deal of time in relatively static postures such as sitting, lying down and standing.
Standing Up
Every individual has a unique posture when standing. Attributes that make it unique include body type, height, weight, and muscle balance. The ideal standing posture supports the body in a balanced upright position with minimal energy expenditure and no perception of extra muscle work or strain.
Examining Your Posture
A good way to examine your own posture is to stand in front of a full-length mirror and look at yourself from the front and from the side. Remember there are many dimensions to your posture. Using two mirrors can help you get a better look at yourself. As you examine yourself pay particular attention to the following areas.
Poor posture can place significant strain upon muscles and supportive connective tissues of the spine. Chronic poor posture can lead to physical alteration of structural characteristics of the spine and to altered neurological control of muscles. Some studies have suggested that chronic adverse posture can lead to accelerated degenerative changes of supportive and weightbearing elements of the spine particularly the intervertebral discs and the facet joints. Spinal muscles, which are chronically stretched or elongated due to poor posture, can adapt to this position rendering it difficult to consciously assume a good posture. Stretched muscles become less efficient at contracting and performing work.
Postures
Static Postures
Static postures can place a deal of stress upon tissues of the spine if an inefficient position is maintained for a prolonged period of time. During the course of a day we all spend a great deal of time in relatively static postures such as sitting, lying down and standing.
Standing Up
Every individual has a unique posture when standing. Attributes that make it unique include body type, height, weight, and muscle balance. The ideal standing posture supports the body in a balanced upright position with minimal energy expenditure and no perception of extra muscle work or strain.
Examining Your Posture
A good way to examine your own posture is to stand in front of a full-length mirror and look at yourself from the front and from the side. Remember there are many dimensions to your posture. Using two mirrors can help you get a better look at yourself. As you examine yourself pay particular attention to the following areas.
Head Position: Your head should be in a neutral position with the chin parallel to the floor.
Shoulder Position: Are your shoulders slumped forward or are they back and even. Ideally your shoulders should not be slumped or rounded forward. The shoulders should be in alignment with your torso.
Abdomen: Your waistline should be relatively level. Your stomach should not stick out.
Lower back: Your lower back should have mild forward curve (lordosis). There should not be an excessive forward curve (sway back).
Knees: The knees should be relatively straight. They should not be hyperextended or locked.
Feet: Your feet should be pointed forward and slightly outward. Each foot should be in a similar position with reference to the body. Your foot placement (stance) should be about shoulder width.
Shoulder Position: Are your shoulders slumped forward or are they back and even. Ideally your shoulders should not be slumped or rounded forward. The shoulders should be in alignment with your torso.
Abdomen: Your waistline should be relatively level. Your stomach should not stick out.
Lower back: Your lower back should have mild forward curve (lordosis). There should not be an excessive forward curve (sway back).
Knees: The knees should be relatively straight. They should not be hyperextended or locked.
Feet: Your feet should be pointed forward and slightly outward. Each foot should be in a similar position with reference to the body. Your foot placement (stance) should be about shoulder width.
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