Realigning Poor Posture
October 28th 2007 09:19
There are many factors that may contribute to poor neck or even trunk postures. And in order to address them appropriately, an in depth inspection or examination of an individual's anatomical features is a must. There are different approaches in solving poor postures and these approaches depend on the orientations of the bony and muscular components of an individual.
Let me mention one of the more common neck positions and the factors that predispose an individual for acquiring such, including the question wHether these are inherited traits or not.
The forward head posture. A forward head posture is characterized by the tendency of the head to be oriented forward, away from the usual line of gravity. I am pretty much sure that this condition is not genetically predisposed. Sometimes it may be a self-inflicted deformity caused by poor body mechanics at work, muscle imbalances, or personal choice (e.g. lousy posture).
The picture below shows a typical forward head posture. And usually as observed this posture produces excessive kyphosis or curvature of the area below the neck (thoracic area). And so we can assume that a kyphotic or slouched posture maybe due -in the first place- to a poor head posture, or vice versa.
We have to understand that each level of the spine are connected to each other. And a change in one segment of the spine, normally changes the orientation of the other spinal segments.
And so if the upper neck level of the spine becomes hyperextended, while the lower neck level of the spine becomes flexed (as what happens with a forward head posturing), then the thoracic (upper back) level of the spine compensates by rounding your back posteriorly.
And consequently your low back may also compensate by increasing its lordosis or curvature, as seen in the picture.
This just shows that if you have a postural problem on the upper back region, you might as well have it all throughout your back (from neck down to the low back region).
Poor postures usually are coupled by neck and back pains. This further adds up to the complexity of the condition.
What would be the probable cause of all of these? As I have said it might be a personal choice. And so if you slouch your back often, then unconsciously it becomes a habit. Then your back may become unstable, causing your neck, back, and even your abdominal muscles to contract more. Then there will come a point that the muscles become tired and pain sets in.
Still at times, muscle tightness may lead to muscle imbalances, then to poor posture. If you have tight muscles at the back of the neck (especially at the upper portion), this will pull the upper neck region backwards or towards extension. But if you have thight Sternocleidonastoid muscles then the lower neck region moves forward. The result- forward head posturing.
Hypertonic or tight nape muscles elevates the shoulder and contributes to the roundness of the back. Even a tight or hypertonic chest muscles (pectoralis muscles) pull the shoulders forward. This also contributes to a rounded back. And so gym fanatics beware. Some individuals would always work out their chest muscles to give them a macho look through bench presses. But if you do not have regimens for your back muscles you might also end up with kyphotic or slouched trunk. Again because of muscle imbalance.
Poor abdominal strength can also contribute to back instability or poor posture.
The above factors may just be some of the explanations for poor posture. And in order to disclose other factors we might as well seek consult from physical therapists or other professionals.
In order to address the above factors, the first thing that I would advice is to consciously be aware of your posture. In order to get used with a correct posture always ask someone to remind you of doing so. A mirror can also help us see any irregularities in our posture and from there correct them immediately.
Stretching of the tight muscles can help us especially the neck muscles, pectoralis muscles, and even the back muscles. Strengthening of the abdominal muscles may also help to stabilize our back. But take note that stretching and strengthening exercises may be individualized. And so we don't just stretch or strengthen something without seeking consult.
IF YOU STILL HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU!!!
Let me mention one of the more common neck positions and the factors that predispose an individual for acquiring such, including the question wHether these are inherited traits or not.
The forward head posture. A forward head posture is characterized by the tendency of the head to be oriented forward, away from the usual line of gravity. I am pretty much sure that this condition is not genetically predisposed. Sometimes it may be a self-inflicted deformity caused by poor body mechanics at work, muscle imbalances, or personal choice (e.g. lousy posture).
The picture below shows a typical forward head posture. And usually as observed this posture produces excessive kyphosis or curvature of the area below the neck (thoracic area). And so we can assume that a kyphotic or slouched posture maybe due -in the first place- to a poor head posture, or vice versa.
Example of Poor Posture
We have to understand that each level of the spine are connected to each other. And a change in one segment of the spine, normally changes the orientation of the other spinal segments.
And so if the upper neck level of the spine becomes hyperextended, while the lower neck level of the spine becomes flexed (as what happens with a forward head posturing), then the thoracic (upper back) level of the spine compensates by rounding your back posteriorly.
And consequently your low back may also compensate by increasing its lordosis or curvature, as seen in the picture.
This just shows that if you have a postural problem on the upper back region, you might as well have it all throughout your back (from neck down to the low back region).
Poor postures usually are coupled by neck and back pains. This further adds up to the complexity of the condition.
What would be the probable cause of all of these? As I have said it might be a personal choice. And so if you slouch your back often, then unconsciously it becomes a habit. Then your back may become unstable, causing your neck, back, and even your abdominal muscles to contract more. Then there will come a point that the muscles become tired and pain sets in.
Still at times, muscle tightness may lead to muscle imbalances, then to poor posture. If you have tight muscles at the back of the neck (especially at the upper portion), this will pull the upper neck region backwards or towards extension. But if you have thight Sternocleidonastoid muscles then the lower neck region moves forward. The result- forward head posturing.
Hypertonic or tight nape muscles elevates the shoulder and contributes to the roundness of the back. Even a tight or hypertonic chest muscles (pectoralis muscles) pull the shoulders forward. This also contributes to a rounded back. And so gym fanatics beware. Some individuals would always work out their chest muscles to give them a macho look through bench presses. But if you do not have regimens for your back muscles you might also end up with kyphotic or slouched trunk. Again because of muscle imbalance.
Poor abdominal strength can also contribute to back instability or poor posture.
The above factors may just be some of the explanations for poor posture. And in order to disclose other factors we might as well seek consult from physical therapists or other professionals.
In order to address the above factors, the first thing that I would advice is to consciously be aware of your posture. In order to get used with a correct posture always ask someone to remind you of doing so. A mirror can also help us see any irregularities in our posture and from there correct them immediately.
Correct Your Posture Consciously
Stretching of the tight muscles can help us especially the neck muscles, pectoralis muscles, and even the back muscles. Strengthening of the abdominal muscles may also help to stabilize our back. But take note that stretching and strengthening exercises may be individualized. And so we don't just stretch or strengthen something without seeking consult.
IF YOU STILL HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU!!!
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
Thank you so much, my friend.
Good luck on Orble.
katyzzz
Comment by Physiotherapy
Living Healthfully
Masahista pala ha!!!
On the Lighter Side