“90% of stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated through movement of the spine”
– Dr R Speedy
Posture effects your health and well-being. HOW? When posture is bad it puts additional pressure on your spine. This can lead to an array of aches and pains, literally in the “backside.” Poor posture can also lead to compression of the internal organs such as the lungs causing respiratory problems and can limit your breathing capacity, digestive organs leading to poor digestion, poor posture has also been linked to depression.
Proper posture keeps muscles, ligaments, bones and internal organs in their natural position. This reduces wear and tear of joints, and relieves stress, improving health and enhancing your appearance.
Self Assessment of your Posture
Head Alignment: Is your head directly aligned with your spine or has it shifted forward? This is the most common postural problem chiropractors see in all ages. From kids as young as 5 through to the elderly. Forward head can cause many health concerns not only neck pain, muscle tightness and headaches but also many have a ripple effect and effect mid back, rib cage and lower back.
Shoulder Alignment: Is one shoulder higher then the other? Shoulders that are not lined up indicate that there is spinal involvement. This can be caused or cause a scoliosis (curve in the spine), ribcage distortion causing limitation to your breathing capacity and decreasing the amount of oxygen you can breath in.
Hip Alignment: Hips that aren’t in a straight line can be a cause of pelvic misalignment or can be coming from the lower back. Place your hands on either side of your hips and see for your self if they are in the correct position.
If you have any concerns about your posture and how it might impact your health, it might be time to have a chiropractor assess your posture. At Living Health Clinic all initial consultations and regular examinations include a full spinal neurological assessment and posture assessment.
