Posture – why it matters!
How do we define posture?
Posture is defined as the position of the body in space. It has the purpose, of maintaining the body in balance during dynamic movement and the stasis. Dynamic posture, is the position that the body is in during movement, such as walking, running or jumping. Static posture is when a position is maintained for a long period of time such as sitting or lying.
How does our body control posture?
Posture is controlled by the interactions between the muscular skeletal system, visual senses and vestibular systems. The muscular-skeletal system interacts with the afferent and efferent pathways of the central nervous system, the main role of these interactions is to keep the body in a state of muscle-skeletal balance. This in turns protects the supporting structure of the body against injury or progressive degeneration.
Good posture will help to improve your proprioception which is the ability to sense joint movement and joint position. Coordination and balance is intimately linked to proprioception and it would be impossible to balance without these.
Why is good posture important?
Posture can indirectly affect how the central nervous system functions. A nerve is responsible to sending and receiving message. If a nerve is subjected to compression or stretch its function will become impaired. Patient will experience a set of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, shooting pain, loss of balance and co ordination and muscle weakness. If this stress continues the nerve will become dysfunctional. It is well understood that poor posture is a major contributor to pain conditions, particularly in the lower back and neck. Research has shown that patients with chronic lower back pain show altered muscle activation patterns. There is also a link to reduced proprioception, this indicates a lower postural awareness and less accurate position sense.
Good Posture Promotes:
- Good posture has lifelong health benefits that can dramatically improve your life and even help you live longer.
- Keeps bones and joints in the correct position (alignment) so that muscles are being used properly.
- Reduces wear and tear of joint surfaces to help prevent the onset of arthritis.
- Decreases the strain on the ligaments in the spine.
- Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
- Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, which allows the body to use less energy.
- Prevents backache and muscular pain.
How can Chiropractic care help?
There is a growing body of evidence that chiropractic adjustments can transform the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Regular chiropractic care can improve proprioception, posture, balance and coordination. Good posture is an indication of brain functionality. If you remove interference within the nervous system, you are able to lead a happier healthy life.
For further information or to book an appointment with one of our chiropractor please click the link below:
Or if you would like to discuss anything with myself, then please feel free to get in touch!
References:
- Structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture: rational for treatment beyond the desolation of symptoms. Troyanvich SJ 1, Harrison DE, Harrison DD. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 01 Jan 1998, 21(1):37-50 PMID: 9467100
- Evidence-based protocol for structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture: review of clinical biomechanics of posture (CBP®) publications. Paul A. Oakley, DC, MSc,* Donald D. Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE,** Deed E. Harrison, DC,† and Jason W. Haas, DC
- Posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of art. Francesco Carini, Margherita Mazzola, Chiara Fici, Salvatore Palmeri, Massimo Messina,Provvidenza Damiani,and Giovanni Tomasello