My definition of poor posture is very simple. Any habitual positioning that causes unnecessary strain on the body. It can be caused by static stress such as slumping, sitting long periods in front of a computer or studying, standing while performing repetitive tasks with the head down, repetitive awkward movements, and even poor sleeping positions. However, evidence has shown that static sitting for long periods of time creates the largest postural stress on the body.
The most common type of poor posture is called “Forward Head Posture” and is successfully treatable and preventable. It is evident by the ears protruding forward past the level of the shoulders rather than being in line with the shoulders. Patients often describe symptoms of extreme tension or tightness in the front of their necks, and pain and discomfort in the back of the skull and shoulders. As “FHP” progresses over time the brain attempts to level the eyes by increasing the head tilt on the skull and causing major headaches and tension behind the eyeballs. This is a sign that the condition has become chronic and more complicated.
| Head and Neck Pain Shoulder and Arm Pain Back Pain Wrist and Carpal Tunnel Pain Muscle Tension and Tightness Muscle Weakness Trouble Breathing | Headaches Jaw Pain Throat Pain Irritability Poor Sleep Lack Coordination Dizziness |
Currently today, we now live in a society where we have constant postural challenges that are unavoidable. It is my job to bring awareness of these perpetuating factors that lead to postural imbalances and ultimately CHRONIC PAIN. In fact, we are now seeing evidence of a generation of young people who are developing chronic pain at a very early age. This is highly due to their sedentary lifestyle, backpacks, video games, self esteem and appearance issues, and the increased dependency on computers and telephones. Avoiding chronic pain is very preventable with the proper education, modification changes, chiropractic, massage therapy, and posture specific exercises.
If you are concerned that your poor posture may lead to Long Term Chronic Pain for you or your family, please consult with Dr. Crosby and he will gladly address any concerns you may have and give you an honest assessment. There is a Solution!
Ventura, J. (n.d.) Forward Head Posture. Retrieved 9 March, 2010 from http://www.posturepal.com/html/Forward_Head_Posture.html. (FHP)
Griegel-Morris, P., Larson, K., Mueller-Klaus, K., Oatis, C.A. (1992) Incidence of Common Postural Abnormalities in the Cervical, Shoulder, and Thoracic Regions and their Association with Pain in Two Age Groups of Healthy Subjects. Physical Therapy. 72 (6), 425–431. (FHP)
Ventura, J. Forward Head Posture. (n.d.) Retrieved 9 March, 2010 from http://www.posturepal.com/html/Forward_Head_Posture.html.(FHP)
E Kapreli, E., Vourazanis, E., Billis, E., Oldham, J.A., and Strimpakos, N. (2009) Respiratory Dysfunction in Chronic Neck Pain Patients. A Pilot Study. Cephalalgia 29, 701-710 (FHP)
Lyon, M., (2009). Posture – One of the Most Important Aspects of your Life! Retrieved March 9, 2010 from http://www.networkwellnesscharlotte.com/posture-one-of-the-most-important-aspects-of-your-life/ (FHP)
Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Luz Cuadrado, M., Gerwin, R.D., Pareja, J.A.. (2006) Trigger Points in the Suboccipital Muscles and Forward Head Posture in Tension-Type Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 46 (3), 454—460. (FHP)
New Scientist (2007). Bad Posture Could Raise Your Blood Pressure. Retrieved on March 14th 2010 from http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12457-bad-posture-could-raise-your-blood-pressure.html?full=true&print=true (FHP)
Posture. (n.d) Dynamic Family Chiropractic. Retrieved on March 14th from http://www.dfchiro.com/pages/posture.htm. (FHP)
Chinese Journal Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2009 Jun;31(3):381-2 (FHP)
