Why is Poor Posture Bad?

Good, upright posture allows our bodies to distribute weight to the appropriate joints, muscles and ligaments in order to remain stable, move properly and save energy (less muscle force to stay upright/move). When our posture deviates away from balance, as in a forward posture or scoliosis, the pressure on these tissues can become altered in a way that leaves them vulnerable to injury/irritation, increases the rate of wear and tear arthritis, and causes muscles to become sore. Ligaments and discs can be “pre-loaded” and under constant tension, causing them to become inflamed, weaken and increases the chance of “slipping a disc” or “pulling something” in the spine, even with simple every day activities.

Tissues/structures that can be effected by poor posture include but are not limited to:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Joints (including hips, knees and shoulders)
• Discs (Intervertebral Discs)
• Nerves

If any of these tissues/structures in your back are injured or irritated, you can experience pain, decreased range of motion, and/or muscle spasms in various parts of your body, as well as potential numbness/tingling/pain down an arm or leg.

Possible Symptoms of Poor Posture?

Symptoms of poor posture can vary greatly depending on the structures/tissues involved.

Symptoms that can be affected by poor posture include but are not limited to:

• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Headaches/Migraines
• Muscle Spasms
• Muscle Soreness
• Chronic Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Breathing Difficulty
• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Decreased Balance
• Altered Gate
• Stiffness

What Causes Poor Posture?

There are a variety of factors that can lead to poor posture from previous injuries, to work ergonomics to muscular imbalance.

Potential Contributing factors to poor posture include but are not limited to:

• Texting/Text Neck
• Poor Sleeping Positions
• Poor Driving Position
• Poor Work Ergonomics
• Previous Traumas (Compression Fractures)
• Scheuermann’s Disease
• Postural Weakness
• Upper Crossed Syndrome
• Incompatible Furniture

Often, there are a combination of factors causing poor posture. Our doctors work hard to determine these factors and come up with individualized treatment plans to improve your posture and reduce your pain as quickly as possible. Reducing these factors also helps to decrease the risk of future flare-ups or additional problems from developing.

How is Posture Measured?

Specific postural assessment involves visual assessment of posture which includes ankle pronation, knee and hip position. Further postural evaluation via X-rays (visualizes actual spinal posture) may be recommended in order to help guide postural correction strategies. Global, regional and segmental mobility of the spine is also assessed to determine what needs to be strengthened and what needs to be stretched in order to improve and stabilize posture.

At CSMC, your first visit will start with a consultation and physical exam in order to determine which tissue/structure is causing your pain, how severe the condition is, what is causing the problem, and any contributing factors that may slow down or prevent proper healing.

This involves discussing your symptoms, when they are at their worst, the impact it is having on your life and putting together a set of treatment goals you would like to accomplish (examples: picking up kids or sleeping without pain). It is important to bring any previous medical notes or images for the doctor to review and take into consideration for your case.

Next, a physical exam will be performed, physical exams typically consist of:

• Neurological Evaluation
• Orthopedic Testing
• Postural Assessment
• Chiropractic Evaluation
• Functional Assessment
• Range of Motion Measurements
• Referral to Imaging/Advanced Diagnostic Testing (When Necessary)
• Radiographic Biomechanical Analysis (When Necessary)

These tests may aggravate your symptoms, so let your doctor know what you are feeling.

For imaging and additional testing, CSMC coordinates referrals to specialty radiologists as needed.

What Treatments are Available?

CSMC takes a customized, comprehensive approach to care for all types of postural imbalances. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address your posture:

• Various Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
  • Based on Preference/Condition
• Physiotherapy
• Ergonomic Training
• Massage Therapy
• Home Postural Correction Programs
• Topical Analgesics
• Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

These therapies may be recommended individually or together to relieve your pain, improve your range of motion, strengthen your core, improve posture and/or stabilize your condition depending on your needs.

You can find the back pain relief you need at CSMC. Book your appointment today.