Bad posture, something we all think about as we straighten up in our seats reading this article. I know I sat a bit more straight while writing it and I know better. Bad posture comes in a variety of ways these days, from sitting too long at a computer at work to slouching down while watching television or texting. All of these habits are easy to change with a bit of motivation and dedication to a healthier lifestyle. Many of us only think about our backs and lower backs when we think about posture yet posture effects our entire body due to the impact it has on the spine itself. Dr. Roger Sperry has demonstrated in his work that a healthy spine increases the stimulation and nutrition of the brain whereas poor posture and an unhealthy spine have the opposite effect.
The worst and most common type of injury we receive from bad posture is the loss of the natural curves in our spine. Chiropractors call it the "arc of life" and this is the 40-45 degree curve that we have in our necks. The reason this curve is called the arc of life is that it protects the brain stem, spinal canal and the nerves that extend into the entirety of our bodies. When this curve is lost, we suffer from a situation referred to as "subluxation" and simply are a misalignment of the spine that creates areas of compression and irritation within the vertebrae and discs, the good news is that it is in many cases repairable with regular chiropractic management, assuming that it has not reached an advanced stage involving surgery.
Choosing a chiropractor can be done through referrals from your primary care physician, word of mouth from family, friends, and acquaintances. Regardless of your choice of chiropractors you should always make sure they are experienced with chiropractic patient education. You should always know the extent of your injuries, the work involved and any additional information to keep you well informed and able to make good decisions about your health and well-being.
Subluxation can manifest as pain but generally what occurs is that the misalignments create other situations within the body which cause the pain. I know from personal experience, losing the arc of life in my neck caused a severe nerve pinch that caused me to be unable to use my right arm for about 45 days! My hand strength is still not 100% nor is my shoulder. The loss of the curve is as I mentioned previously able to be repaired if caught early enough by regular work with a reputable chiropractic business.
Losing the arc of life is one of the three most severe forms of subluxation; the other two are a forward head posture and scoliosis. The loss of the neck curve and the forward head position problems are caused by trauma and bad posture. Rene Cailliet of the University of California and their director of physical medicine and rehabilitation has stated that the "forward head posture can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage pulling the entire spine out of alignment and may result in the loss of 30% of vital lung capacity."
The greatest cause for losing the arc of life and the forward head posture is lifestyle and employment. Slouched down watching television for several hours every day combined with texting on cell phones is only compounded by jobs where we are constantly looking at a monitor. While each of them seems harmless enough when they are combined on a daily basis the effects are compounded and work to speed up subluxation.
But, all is not lost! With a conscious focus on better posture at home, work, and combined with scheduling regular visits with a chiropractic practice, you can keep your spine healthy, your brain stimulated and live a much healthier lifestyle.
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