The Silent Epidemic of Poor Posture
In today’s technological age (cell phones, laptops, tablets etc.), slouchy posture or thoracic hyperkyphosis (humpback) has become a pervasive health issue. Far from just an aesthetic concern, this condition is associated with chronic pain, respiratory compromise (decreased lung capacity), functional disabilities and even increased mortality rates amongst our older population.
Traditional treatments primarily focus on symptom management through pain medication and/or physio, frequently failing to address the root structural cause which is postural collapse due to posture distortions of the neck and thoracic spine. Posture distortions are the result of vertebral subluxations (misaligned vertebrae) left undetected and uncorrected. Over the course of time as posture collapses, there is a cascading sequence of events; onset of degenerative disc disease, spinal joint irritation and spinal nerve root compression. This causes further postural collapse as the individual is forced to compensate even further and the sequence begins to feed upon itself. Symptomatology begins to intensify and expand.
Curves Exceeding 50 Degrees
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the upper back (upper thoracic spine). A normal thoracic curve measures approximately 44 degrees but curves in excess of 50 degrees are considered hyperkyphotic (hunched/slouched). This deformity places immense mechanical stress on the spine leading to muscle fatigue, vertebral wedging (compression fractures), and nerve system tension.
Indicators of Slouching Posture
Other than someone alerting you or you yourself notice hunching of your shoulders and upper back, you may experience the following:
- headaches
- mood swings
- shortness of breath (lung capacity can be reduced by up to 30%)
- neck stiffness
- upper back ache (mid-scapular pain)
- lower back ache
- rapid pulse rate
- elevated blood pressure
- vertigo
- loss of balance/falls/poor coordination
What can you do?
Even severe long-standing postural issues in adults can be improved with the right treatment plan. Improving the spine’s alignment/posture directly correlates with pain relief and improved organ function. I have seen this with dozens of my practice members over the years who have committed to a prescribed treatment plan to address this issue.
Passive treatment is rarely enough. Specifically applied chiropractic adjustments coupled with spinal traction, reverse/corrective posture exercises and postural fitness education offer a viable, non-invasive alternative for managing postural deformities like thoracic hyperkyphosis. (ref.Chiropractic BioPhysics)
Please understand that most people will be interacting with technology and be in a ‘sit job’ for the rest of their lifetime. Being proactive here will have far-reaching health benefits.
We have been helping people in our community with postural issues for years.
We’d be honoured to help yours.