Chiropractic Care Improves Posture

#ThinkChiropractic

Posture & Ergonomics

Poor posture negatively impacts the health and appearance of individuals – back and neck pain, poor circulation, shallow breathing, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, premature aging of the spine and poor self-image.

Chiropractic care, which includes spinal manipulative therapy of the thoracic spine or mid-back area, teamed with stretching and strengthening exercises improves overall posture including a condition known as postural kyphosis.

Thoracic kyphosis is an increase in the normal thoracic curvature of the spine. Postural kyphosis most commonly presents due to a number of factors, such as:

• Sitting with slouched posture
• Texting
• Carrying heavy bags or backpacks
• Watching television
• Breast development leading to insecurity, which causes shoulder protraction
• Heavy manual work
• Fashion trends – wearing high heels

Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) - who receive a minimum of seven years of higher education – are primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being.

Spinal manipulative therapy increases joint mobility and has shown to improve muscle function, improve movement and flexibility by decreasing hypertonicity or tightness in the muscles and alter the tone of the muscle.

About the Study

Materials and Methods

Thirty female participants between 20 and 39 years old were recruited for this study because most cases of postural kyphosis occur in females. The women were broken into three groups – Group 1 received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to restricted thoracic spine segments; Group 2 received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to restricted thoracic spine segments as well as stretch and strengthening exercises; Group 3 received stretch and strengthening exercises only.

Methodology

Group 1 received treatment once a week for 6 weeks. Groups 2 and 3 received three treatments a week for six weeks. Postural advice on how to sit and stand correctly was given to all three groups.

Results

All three groups had a significant improvement in their posture, however Group 2’s treatment protocol, consisting of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to the thoracic spine in combination with stretch and strengthening exercises, yield the best results. Group 2 decreased the postural kyphosis or curvature of the spine.

Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306422936_Chiropractic_manipulative_therapy_of_the_thoracic_spine_in_combination_with_stretch_and_strengthening_exercises_in_improving_postural_kyphosis_in_woman

Chiropractic care at on-site health clinics

#ThinkChiropractic

Companies that offer chiropractic care at their on-site health clinics lower their costs, have greater productivity and increased employee satisfaction.

Poor Posture Leads to Back & Neck Pain

The Health Benefits of Good Posture

F4CP

Good posture is the position which is attained when the joints are biomechanically sound and able to move in the direction they are designed to and the spine is aligned. Maintaining good posture involves learning how to train your body to move and function where the least strain is placed on bones, joints and soft tissues. Additionally, a body that is in equilibrium will attain its alignment and continue proper mobility.

Benefits of Good Posture

Posture Checklist

Training your body to sit upright can be a challenge. Follow this posture checklist to learn the proper way to sit with good posture:

Ø  Keep a straight back, maintaining all three natural curves in the spine

Ø  Distribute weight evenly on both hips

Ø  Keep head and neck aligned over shoulders

Ø  Sit back in a chair – the back should be supported by the seat back

Ø  Adjust chair so that the hips are slightly higher than the knee

Ø  Support feet on the floor or a footrest

Ø  Avoid being seated for long periods of time; move around at least once every hour

Ø  Do not twist or bend back from a seated position

Good Posture: What can it do for you?

There are many health benefits associated with having good posture, such as a spike in self-esteem and self-image, reduced negative mood and increase in positivity!

Good posture can:

Ø  Optimize breathing and circulation

Ø  Maintain bones and joints in correct alignment so muscles are used properly and efficiently

Ø  Reduce or prevent abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative diseases (Example: Arthritis)

Ø  Decrease stress on soft tissues: ligaments, muscles, tendons, discs

Ø  Prevent the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions

Ø  Prevent fatigue, including muscle fatigue

Ø  Prevent postural strain or overuse

Ø  Prevent neck or back pain

Ø  Contribute to a healthy image or appearance

Start today! Practice makes permanent, so practice great posture throughout your day.

Alexis Lignos

Marketing Director

Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

201-641-1911 x 52

alexis@f4cp.com

www.f4cp.com 

Sources: http://ergonomics.ucr.edu/posture.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25222091

Core Strength and Flexibility

This is Part I of what will be a series of posts regarding core strengthening and flexibility. spkDC

Your core is more than the “six-pack” that is envisioned when the subject is discussed. Your core musculature includes the following areas: back, flank, pelvis, and buttocks all of which are responsible for assisting in the stabilization of your spine when you bend, twist, rotate, sit, and stand. So whether you’re a “gym rat” or an “occupational athlete” your core, and your mindful attention to it, is imperative in preventing back and/or neck pain.

Obviously there are various workouts that can improve core strength but some require a certain level of fitness while others, if not executed properly, can result in further injury and/or pain. However, there are exercises which are appropriate no matter what your reluctance or time constraint is. Because let’s face it, any form of physical activity that can enhance your spinal stability is better than none at all.

No inanimate device or solitary treatment to date is the be all end all cure for low back pain, an issue which ranks second to respiratory infection for primary care visits. That being said, when it comes to musculoskeletal pain, no website or anecdotal opinion is a reasonable substitute for an objective examination by a musculoskeletal specialist to determine the cause and subsequent treatment for your low back pain. Ignoring pain that hasn't gotten better or become worse after 72+ hours will only amplify the issue and altering your body mechanics to decrease its provocation can cause additional problems.  

Studies have shown that regular stretching AND strengthening of core musculature can help you avoid back pain and/or ease chronic pain. The objective of regular core “mindfulness” is to hone conscious control over the position and movement of your body’s center, an area known in traditional Chinese medicine as the “dan-tien” [don-tee-en]. You should think of your core as the “conjunction junction” between your torso and lower extremities (thighs, legs, and feet).

All bodily propulsion either originates or is transferred through the core via the kinetic chain. Muscle weakness/tightness within the chain (i.e. back, flank, pelvis, buttocks) can/will decrease the strength/stability of your movements and set in motion joint misalignments and/or adverse limb placement thereby perpetuating injury over time (“the straw that broke the camel’s back”).

Core strength and flexibility is the key to ambulatory power, balance, and stability which is vital to injury prevention. Your core affects just about everything you do whether it be taking a walk, rising from your chair, putting on your shoes, turning to back your car down the driveway, or simply standing still and a weak inflexible core can make on the job tasks, hobbies, sports, or housework quite unpleasant.

Aside from maintaining a healthy back, core strength and flexibility will help you feel, think, and look better:

• Deconditioned core musculature leads to slouching which in turn places wear and tear on the bones, ligaments,and discs of your spine and decreases your ability to breathe properly. Good posture will not only make you look thinner but project self-confidence and leadership. Strengthening postural muscles also decreases the load placed on your hips and knees which in turn staves off the onset of osteoarthritis.

• Regular exercise has been shown to ease depression and improve mood which in turn will help you not gain weight or regain pounds you've lost

• In older adults, regular exercise improves functional abilities which in turn help to maintain/boost bone density, prevent falls, and sharpen mental function

• Regular Exercise = ↓ Risks ForEarly Death [i.e. heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, etc.]

• Some people [under a medical doctor’s supervision] may be able to cut back on certain medications which can eliminate/ease unwanted side effects as well as save you money