If I had to pick the most frequent reason why people end up in my office with back, shoulder or neck complaints, it would have to be POOR POSTURE!!  Chronic repetitive stress on muscles, ligaments and joints can create degenerative and inflammatory processes which eventually end up as painful conditions.  The most common postural fault I see is the increased thoracic kyphosis (upper back rounding creating a slumped or “hump”-like look).  Why does this happen?  Is it a result of ageing?  Is it computer use? Genetics?  Lack of exercise?  Most likely it is a combination of various factors including the ones I have mentioned–many of which are within our control.

Can my “hump” be fixed? A common question in my office, and my answer–absolutely!!   However it may take a long period of time to see permanent changes, as improper movement patterns and poor posture often take many years to develop. As well, it will take a certain amount of work on your part to create new and better patterns in your body.

Proper posture means that the least strain is placed on supporting muscles, joints and ligaments when you are holding your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. A big part of maintaining proper posture is simply an awareness of what you are doing with your body during your daily activities: Are you making repetitive movements at work, at home or in sporting activities? Are there times where your body is not in a neutral position?  Do you sleep on your stomach? Are you working on a laptop?  These are some of the many questions that I ask when beginning to work with someone.  If we can find and eliminate factors that create and reinforce poor postural patterns, then we can begin to make changes.  A course of regular and periodic Chiropractic adjustments can serve to maintain proper motion in the joints.  Your personal trainer can design an exercise program which includes appropriate flexibility work along with strengthening of the important postural muscles in your upper back. This is of huge benefit in reducing postural strain. With stretching, connective tissues that may have been damaged by improper posture can be realigned and relaxed. Improved strength will enable you to hold your body in the proper position longer and more easily.

A good team can help you to change your posture over a 6 month to 2 year period.  With diligence, it can be done!!