Navigation
» Posture
Good posture depends upon several factors. While exercise, attitude, and practice can positively affect posture, some postural problems need more aggressive attention due to complications which can jeopardize good health and well-being.
The foundation for normal spinal posture is laid out early in life. Improper development of the spine's normal curvature will set the stage for eventual distortions. If the base of a child's spine is tilted incorrectly, it can wreak havoc with the structure that builds upon it.
Normally the human body attempts to maintain erect posture by balancing "back and forth" over the lower spine. If the lower vertebrae (bones of the back) are wedged to one side(dropped inferior), it can cause the spine to compensate by bending into an abnormal curve. This condition is commonly referred to as scoliosis. The medical approach to scoliosis has been to administer braces and electrical stimuli; neither of which has proven very successful. Upon termination of such practices the abnormal curve usually returns to its initial state within five years.
Are abnormal spinal curves unhealthy?
When vertebrae move out of their normal alignment, neurological disturbances know as subluxations can result. This condition impedes the normal transmission of mental impulses (nerve supply) from the brain to the body, thus inhibiting body function. Besides interfering with the innate ability of the body to heal, subluxations disturb the "righting reflex" which allows the body to adapt to abnormal equilibrium permitting the body to stand upright.
A subluxation is a neurological disturbance caused by a joint that is not functioning properly. The body depends upon the free flow of nerve communication from the brain, through the spinal column, and to all parts of the human body in order to govern itself and all of its functions. Chiropractic science has determined that the interruption, blockage, or aberration of this flow of information can lead to serious health complications. Conversely, the removal of such interferences has been shown to have important health benefits.
Vertebrae fit together so that the nerve supply produced in the brain may filter down the spinal cord and out through the nerves. These messages are responsible for communicating information throughout the body so that growth, repair and healing may take place. When vertebrae are not functioning natural alignment, the potential for nerve interference is great.
All body functions are controlled by messages from the brain sent through the nerves. When nerves become stretched, or impinged upon by surrounding tissue, this vital communication system of the body is disrupted. As a result, one or more functions of the body may begin to fail. As the body weakens, health declines and if uncorrected, the body will ultimately give in to sickness and disease. While traditional medicine would resort to treating the symptoms of such disease, the Doctor of Chiropractic considers correcting the cause of disease (in this case subluxations) so that normal body function may once again take place.
In addition to nerve interference, subluxations cause abnormal posture and apply tension to vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This increased tension can interfere with blood flow to internal organs. Lack of oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs, via the blood, can also cause dysfunction and disease. As Doctors of Chiropractic, we lay our hands on your back and gently adjust the fixated joints, allowing more normal motion, and healing to start. This process may take weeks or months depending on the extent of misalignment. As the subluxated joints move better, the nerves relay communications throughout the body more effectively, and healing can begin to take place. As the body heals, the symptoms of dysfunction and disease diminish.
Chiropractic is a very specific science. By regaining normal joint function and minimizing nerve interference, the natural strength of the human body to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery, can be maximized.
As the parent of a child with poor posture and/or scoliosis, there are several things you can do to help.
First, avoid placing infants in a walker, jumper, or other restraining device that allows him/her to stand. An infant's spine is not completely developed and these devices can cause permanent damage. Instead, one of the best positions for your baby is on his/her stomach. In addition to developing the muscles of the neck, this position lays ground for the proper development of the lower back's secondary curve. Crawling also helps to develop this important curve of the spine. Exercises such as these allow for better physical growth and encourage strong spinal musculature.
Second, it is crucial to keep all of you child's corrective chiropractic appointments so that proper spinal balance may improve. Specific adjustments work not only to restore normal posture, but also to improve overall health by facilitating normal nerve function.
Lastly, be a good role model for your child. Seek chiropractic care yourself, exhibit good posture, and exercise daily. Encourage your child to ride a bike or run and play outside instead of watching TV.
Any child suffering from poor posture and/or scoliosis should be thoroughly analyzed for vertebral subluxations that may be causing the problem. Although this condition is difficult for both the parents and the child, continued patience seems to pay off with visible improvements in overall posture and health.