POOR POSTURE

What is poor posture?

Postural dysfunction or ‘poor’ posture is defined as when our spine is positioned in unnatural positions, in which the curves are emphasized. This results in the joints, muscles, and vertebrae being in stressful positions. This prolonged poor positioning results in a build-up of pressure on these tissues and can carry over into your overall physical, mental, and emotional health.

Symptoms

• General soreness: This dull or achy pain may spread across the side or back of the neck, as well as into the upper back, shoulder, and/or head
• Intense pain: If a muscle is strained and/or goes into spasm, it results in tightness and severe pain that may cause a sharp or burning sensation. Intense neck pain may worsen with specific positions or movements but alleviate in other positions or when at rest. This pain is typically localized in one spot—such as the side of the neck or base of the skull—rather than spreading across a region
• Trigger point pain: This pain involves tender, taut spots in muscles that can become even more painful when touched. Trigger points are especially common along the back of the neck, but the pain can also be referred up into the head or down into the shoulders

Causes

• Slouching
• Sleeping with the head raised
• Arthritis and bone degeneration
• Carrying a heavy backpack or purse
• Driving with a hunched back
• Reading in bed
• Sewing
• Sleeping with the head raised
• Slouching
• Weakness in the muscles of the upper back
• Whiplash or other injuries to the spine

What is the treatment for poor posture?

Whether poor posture is caused by injury, stress, or anything in between, it takes a professional to help you get into the right place. A chiropractor will start by using muscle releases and slow joint movements, to get you into the best position for good posture. Through careful exercise, stretches, and rehabilitation, your overactive muscles get a break. Not only will this ease some of the tension that causes bad posture, but it allows your weaker muscles to grow stronger, fixing your posture for good.