Get help with Slumped Posture
Is Poor and Slumped posture a concern?
One of the common questions we get asked in out office is can I get help with my slumped posture. In the video, you see a lady going through the Chiropractic BioPhysics protocol for her increased thoracic (mid back) curve, that is causing a slumped posture.
What causes this posture?
Slumped posture often occurs due to a variety of factors, and most of them are lifestyle related. When you spend prolonged periods sitting or standing with poor posture, your muscles can become tight and imbalanced, leading to a slouched position.
Here are the most common causes:
- sedentary lifestyle
- poor ergonomic habits
- muscular imbalances
- weak spinal and core muscles
- psychological factors like stress and low self-esteem.
Other causes, can include Scheuremann’s disease, old fractures of the vertebrae of the mid back from accidents, or from severe osteoporosis.
How does poor habits change my posture?
When you spend prolonged periods sitting or standing with poor posture, your muscles can become tight and imbalanced. Over time, and especially combine with a lack of exercise, this can lead to a rounded and slumped position.
How can I help myself?
Poor posture that results in slumped spine, forward head posture and Dowager’s hump can be helped. Early intervention can prevent the ‘fixed’ posture, that can become more structural. The trick is ‘self awareness’, focussing on how you sit, stand and lie down is important. Here are areas in daily life where poor posture can result:
- desk sitting, whether studying or working
- Long distance driving, truck driving
- Standing still for long periods (chefs are an example of this)
- Poor sleep posture
If you find yourself in one or more of these situations above, then placing a 30minute timer on your phone or computer can help remind a ‘Re-set’ of your posture.
What happens when ‘self awareness’ doesn’t work?
When a slumped posture has been sustained for extended period of time, then ‘straightening up’ can be painful, or at the least very uncomfortable. This is when people often seek our help to improve the flexibility and alignment of their spine.
How can Chiropractic and Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) asset?
There are two components of care that we address in these postural cases. Firstly, as the spine has been ‘stuck’ in poor alignment for a long time, we help to increase the spinal joint movement by adjusting the joints.
Secondly, to address the changes in spinal alignment, we introduce multi modal approach of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP). CBP is the most researched area in spinal curve correction and includes:
- mirror image adjustments
- In office traction on the Denneroll table
- At home traction with the use of a thoracic Denneroll
- Mirror image neuromuscular rehabilitation exercises
Traction can help correct slumped posture by stretching tight muscles, realigning the spine, and reducing compression on spinal discs and nerves.
Team Effort is the KEY!
However, it’s essential to note that while traction can provide help for spinal alignment, it is important to remember to continue to focus on:
- good postural habits
- exercises to strengthen core muscles
- Ideal ergonomic set up
All the above factors are important for short term relief and for long-term postural improvements.
Any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Lisa Smycz
chiropractor North Melbourne
www.errolstchiro.com.au
The Australian Chiropractors Association has a free App called Straighten up Australia. CLICK HERE. If you would like to know more about what front on posture should look like CLICK HERE. Find out how to assess side posture, please CLICK HERE.
