It always amazes me how many people have postural imbalances and don’t even realize it! Many of them wonder why they have neck pain, back pain, headaches or general soreness without having any form of injury or trauma. A lot of the time, these problems are a direct result of irritation to muscles, joints or nerves from chronic, uncorrected imbalances in the body. Allow me to explain…
Some of the most common postural imbalances that I see are forward head carriage, excessive spinal curves, uneven shoulders or pelvis and scoliosis. These imbalances can arise from many different things such as daily activities, slips/falls, inactivity, daily stress, one-sided activities (such as golf or tennis) or poor posture habits (such as slouching). Posture imbalances can also sometimes originate at the feet which serve as one’s base of support. For example, if one or both arches collapse, it sets up an imbalance that will affect the alignment of related joints (like the knees, hips and pelvis). Everything is connected! In any event, body asymmetry over time can lead to uneven wear and tear to the body which can contribute to arthritis, muscle tension and tightness/restriction in spinal joints.
It simply makes sense that a body in balance will feel better, heal better and function better!
A Healthy Spine = A Healthy Body.
Standing posture, sitting posture and dynamic postures are all important. Inappropriate body posture/position while lifting, for example, can result in injuries.
Posture is a like a window to the spine. If your posture is off, so too is your spinal alignment.
Regardless of pain or symptoms it is important to have your posture imbalances and alignment corrected as a form of spinal health maintenance and overall wellness. You don’t have to have pain to have a problem and a lot of the time these asymmetries can be corrected before chronic uneven wear and tear results in pain. You only have one spine! So take care of the one you have! Regular chiropractic checkups can prevent problems before they start just like how regular dental cleanings can prevent cavities.
The great news is that many posture problems can be corrected or drastically improved with chiropractic care. Chiropractors use hands-on adjustments to correct the alignment and mobility of the spine, pelvis and related joints such that your body regains its mechanical and neurological balance. Soft tissue therapies and home exercises may also be incorporated into your care plan depending on individual needs.
Achieving mechanical balance is only half of the chiropractic story. Chiropractic care also helps to balance nervous system function. Spinal health is so important because it protects the nervous system which controls and co-ordinates every system and process in the body. For optimal health, we need optimal communication in the nervous system. This can be achieved by optimizing alignment of the spine.
Regardless of pain or symptoms, everyone should have their spine checked. Chiropractic works.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients int he care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ~ Thomas Edison
Health is a lifestyle choice. Choose it. Make Chiropractic care a part of your healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Elisabeth Miron