Posture

Good posture is a representation of a balance between life’s demands and the musculoskeletal system. Many factors influence posture and they may include diet, fatigue, ergonomics, exercise, previous injury, fatigue, lack of rest and  musculoskeletal dysfunction. Therefore determining what is responsible for the postural dysfunction is paramount in its treatment.

Trained chiropractors and osteopaths thoroughly evaluate the entire individual for biomechanical, musculoskeletal and emotional function and integrity. These professionals utilise their knowledge, diagnostic skills and clinical judgement to determine what type of care is implemented for each individual.

We understand that there is a strong correlation between structural balance (muscles and skeleton) and body function.  Standing, walking, sitting and even sleep postures have a profound impact on body function.  It is therefore critical to be assessed thoroughly by a professional who is trained to interpret what they see and implement corrective strategies.

Symptoms of poor posture are broad and may vary in the nature, location and severity. Some of the more obvious symptoms may include:

  • Rounded shoulders
  • Back pain and strain
  • Forward head carriage
  • Jaw pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Bursitis
  • Repetitive strain injury
  • Subluxations or joint restriction

posture


Posture is established subconsciously. That is, it is set by reflex responses between your body and its nervous system and reflects what you tell it to do. If you tell it to slouch, it slouches. If you tell it to tuck the chin in it will tuck the chin in. Therefore, we can only improve posture with a conscious effort. Chiropractors and osteopaths are trained to help at this point with advice regarding lifestyle, ergonomics, exercise, treatment requirements and diet. Please refer to useful info for more information regarding posture and exercises.

Things to remember:

  • The complications of poor posture include pain and discomfort, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration and biomechanical or movement dysfunction.
  • Sometimes the correlation between poor posture and symptoms is not direct. However a trained practitioner will be able to explain the link.
  • A thorough assessment can avoid painful symptoms from developing. Therefore, an assessment should be sought regardless of whether any symptoms are presenting.
  • Refer to a chiropractor or osteopath for assessment, advice and further information.

Now for the technical bit!

Postural mechanisms

Poor posture interferes with a number of the body's postural mechanisms including:

  • Slow-twitch (static) and fast-twitch (phasic) muscle fibres
  • Muscle strength and length
  • Nervous system feedback on the body's position.

Two types of muscle fibres

Skeletal muscle is made up of two types of muscle fibre – static (slow-twitch) and phasic (fast-twitch). Generally, static muscle fibres are found in the deeper muscle layers. They help us to maintain posture without too much effort and contribute to balance by ‘sensing’ our position and relaying this information to the brain. Phasic muscle fibres are used for movement and activity.

Static fibres burn energy slowly and can keep working for a long time without tiring. However, phasic fibres quickly run out of steam. Poor posture causes muscle fatigue because it calls on the phasic fibres instead of static fibres to maintain the body's position.

Muscle strength and length

Over time, poor posture that demands support from phasic fibres causes the deeper supporting muscles to waste away from lack of use. Weak, unused muscles tend to tighten and this shortening of muscle length can compact the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and worsen posture.

Nervous system feedback on the body’s position

The deeper layers of muscle are concerned with 'sensing' our position in space and relaying this information to the brain. If this function is taken over by muscles that mainly contain phasic fibres, the brain gets an incomplete picture. The brain assumes that the body needs to be propped up to counteract the effects of gravity, so it triggers further muscle contraction. This adds to the general fatigue and pain felt by the person with poor posture.

Source: Better Health VIC 2008