Tag Archive for: chiropractic adjustment

Health Risks of Poor Posture that a Chiropractor for Posture Can Address

Philippines, we have a posture problem. Regardless of whether it is a result of sitting all day for work, prolonged use of smart gadgets, lounging on the couch, the said issue is affecting a myriad of Filipinos. Because of this predicament, doctors and other medical practitioners are troubled. This is due to the fact that if left untreated, it can lead to back problems, neck pain, and a wide range of other aggravating conditions.

This is where a chiropractor for posture comes in. A reputable and highly experienced one can address the said issues and more.

It is important to note that aside from the above-mentioned conditions, there are other ailments that may arise due to poor posture. Some of the most notable ones are elaborated below. Read on and find out what they are and understand why everyone should see a chiropractor.

Headaches

According to the National Health Service (NHS), the umbrella term for the publicly funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom, poor posture contributes to the prevalence of headaches. How? You ask. Well, it can lead to tensed and tight necks, upper backs, and shoulders; all these can contribute to the development of headaches.

A lot of times, the pain is complemented by tightness and intense pressure that resonates in the base of the skull. In certain cases, it extends into the forehead, face, and back of the head.

Often called “stress headaches,” they are quite common in the adult population, especially among those who spend extended hours sitting down or in front of a desk. The good news is that a chiropractor for posture can help alleviate the pain and discomfort that it brings.

How a chiropractor can help: To treat headaches, a chiropractor may perform spinal adjustments or manipulations to effectively lessen stress and boost overall body function. Other treatments may include kneading of joints and muscles, myofascial release massage that targets the membranes and supporting muscles, and trigger point therapies.

Urinary incontinence

In general, poor posture can drastically escalate the strains as well as stress on the joint as well as muscles, including those in your pelvic floor. It can also compress the abdomen, which can compromise breathing patterns by means of shallow breaths, and the like. If the diaphragm does not fully expand, the pelvic floor muscles do not fully lengthen and relax. This, in turn, causes tension and tightness to accumulate in the said body part, which can lead to urinary incontinence.

For reference, the appropriate alignment of the pelvis is the neutral position. Here, the lumbar spine is properly aligned with the pelvis. This is referred to as the “S” shape and when this is achieved, the body’s load is effectively and efficiently distributed between its load-bearing structures which are the bones, ligaments, muscles, discs, and so on.

How a chiropractor can help: In order to treat incontinence, a chiropractor for posture may use gentle adjustment of the lower back, spine, and sacrum. This is to realign the body, lessen pressure, and provide relief to the urinary tract. All these play a key role in restoring bladder function.

Constipation

Constipation, or incomplete bowel emptying, is usually caused by a low-fiber diet, inactivity, or dehydration. But do you know that poor posture is another contributing factor? According to studies, individuals who sit with their back hunched over and with their knees lower than hip level, experience a heightened risk of constipation. This is because of the fact that the said sitting posture has the potential to put pain and discomfort in the buttocks and inner thighs.

Also, being in a slumped or hunchback position can have a negative impact on the body’s internal system function. Furthermore, the said position may weaken the abdominal and other core muscles. When this happens, the intestines may become squeezed together, which, in turn, may hamper digestion and, therefore, pave the way to constipation issues.

How a chiropractor can help: A chiropractor may perform mild manipulations of specific vertebrae that are located in the thoracic (mid section) spine as well as lower back. These are essential because the said body parts are where nerves innervate the digestive system.

Soft tissue mobilization may also be performed to release tension and boost the flexibility in the muscles that surround the spine as well as the pelvis. If done properly, it can further improve digestive system function.

TMJ disorder

Believe it or not, poor posture can have a detrimental impact on the overall health of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Forward head posture, slumping shoulders, and misalignment of the spine, among others, can put inappropriate tension in the supporting muscles of the jaw. Eventually, it can heighten the stress that is placed on the TMJ and eventually cause pain, discomfort, and so on.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the forward head posture, in one way or another, is problematic. This is because of the fact that it can shift the alignment of the head as well as the neck. In the process, the way the jaw and the TMJ function is altered. If not immediately addressed, it can escalate wear and tear on the said joint, and worsen TMJ pain and discomfort.

How a chiropractor can help: TMJ chiropractic treatment usually starts with a localized massage as well as electrical stimulation therapy to loosen the muscles. Next, a chiropractor may stretch the jaw muscles and perform adjustments on the jaw as well as neck joints to align everything and fix the TMJ disorder.

Summing up

Don’t let the said conditions negatively affect the quality of your life. Remember, undergoing treatment from a highly qualified chiropractor for posture is a step toward addressing them and improving overall well-being. If you’re looking for one with vast experience in treating posture-related issues, Posture Perfect has you covered.

Book an appointment now! Our chiropractic experts can address your unique needs and help you find solutions that fit your lifestyle and other factors that affect your overall health and well-being.

According to Medical News Today, poor posture that’s coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, can cause the back muscles to weaken or decondition. For instance, slouching in a chair over a table or desk can cause gradual strength loss in the said muscles. In the process, this can boost the probability of strains and other detrimental conditions.

Over time, poor posture can also heighten the curvature of the thoracic spine. If left untreated, this can lead to pain and discomfort. This is where a chiropractor for posture comes in. A highly trained and experienced one can fix the root of your posture problem. Consequently, this can increase confidence, improve mood, boost productivity, reduce injury risk, and so much more.

In line with this, it’s best to become acquainted with some of the most common posture problems out there. By doing so, you’d know if it’s time to visit a chiropractor and undergo treatment. Read on to find out more.

Posture Problems That Can Be Fixed By A Chiropractor

Posture problems that can be addressed by a chiropractor for posture

  • Forward head posture

Forward head posture, or FHP, is defined as a posture where the head is held out or in front of its natural position, which is on top of the cervical spine. If you have FHP, chances are, you tilt your head back to look forward.

This posture needs to be addressed ASAP because it strains the neck muscles and joints. Afterward, it can lead to muscle imbalances due to the fact that some muscles provide more support than others.

Why FHP needs to be fixed: FHP can heighten compressive loading on cervical spine tissues, particularly in the facet joints as well as ligaments. In turn, this can adversely impact static balance and respiratory function.

  • Rounded shoulders

Rounded shoulders, which also go by the term forward shoulder posture, is a condition in which a resting shoulder position is moved forward from the body’s natural and ideal alignment. Studies suggest that rounded shoulders are quite prevalent nowadays because many spend countless hours hunched over smartphones, smart tablets, laptops, and the like. In fact, it has become so rampant that it has been been coined text neck by many medical professionals and clinicians.

Why rounded shoulders need to be fixed: Taking rounded shoulders for granted can lead to weakened muscles. Sooner or later, a forward pull of the head may take place, causing the neck to become overloaded. In the long run, disc herniation and/or a hunchback figure may take place.

Putting the said factors into consideration, it’s best to undergo treatment from a chiropractor for posture so as to make sure that more serious issues won’t arise.

  • Bent knees when walking or standing

If you find yourself standing or walking with obvious bent knees, it’s likely caused by more serious biomechanical imbalances. As insignificant as it may seem, bear in mind that such posture patterns may stem from tightness as well as weaknesses throughout your body.

Some conditions that contribute to bent knees when walking or standing are as follows:

    • Weak glutes and core

Your glutes as well as core muscles are essential when it comes to stabilizing the pelvis and, therefore, keeping you upright. That said, weakness in the said body parts may lead to an anterior or forward tilt of the pelvis and put an inappropriate amount of strain on the knees.

    • Stiff hip flexors

Extended hours sitting down may cause the hip flexors or the muscles that are located in front of the hips to shorten. This tightness or stiffness may further disrupt pelvic alignment.

    • Tight hamstrings

Tight hamstrings can pull the lower leg and contribute to bent-knee posture.

Why bent knees when walking or standing need to be fixed: This issue needs to be fixed the soonest since failure to do so may contribute to back, neck, or hip pain. This may prompt you to use more energy and, therefore, more fatigued when walking or standing.

  • Potbelly

As we become older, slouching, inactivity, and other bad habits cause muscle fatigue as well as tension. This paves the way to posture complications that include a potbelly. It should be noted that it’s not about having excessive fat in the abdominal region but a posture imbalance that pretty much creates an illusion of one.

A potbelly is caused by the following:

    • Weak core muscles

The abs and the rest of the core muscles provide appropriate support to the spine as well as internal organs. When they become weak, the said muscles won’t be able to counteract an exaggerated lumbar curve.

    • Prolonged sitting

Spending long hours sitting and in a hunchback position can put your body in a compromised position. This can lead to the accumulation of tightness in the hip flexors, general muscle imbalance, and weak core muscles that lead to potbelly posture.

Why potbelly posture needs to be fixed: If potbelly posture is not addressed, it can lead to a variety of conditions that include chronic back pain, increased injury risk, and accelerated degeneration. In addition to all these, it can also pave the way to digestive issues, breathing difficulties, and reduced energy levels, among others.

How a chiropractor for posture can fix common posture problems

A chiropractor for posture can effectively, efficiently, and safely restore spinal health and musculoskeletal function. Here’s how he or she can help:

  • Thorough assessment

A chiropractor analyzes your posture from different angles, examining for imbalances such as the ones that were elaborated above.

  • Range of motion and flexibility test

A chiropractor tests your movement patterns to pinpoint tight or weak areas that contribute to poor posture.

  • Targeted spinal adjustments

A chiropractor uses gentle as well as precise adjustments that target misaligned joints. By performing them, proper alignment may be restored, and pressure on the nerves may be significantly reduced. This may eventually improve muscle function and, therefore, posture. Consequently, this can pave the way to improved overall health and well-being.

  • Address tightness and weakness

A chiropractor identifies and focuses on muscle imbalances via stretching, trigger point therapy, and massages. He or she also recommends specific exercises that can strengthen weak muscles.

So, if you’re asking, “Can I correct my posture with exercise?” The answer is yes, but they need to be approved by a chiropractor for posture. This is to ensure that their benefits are going to be enjoyed to their full potential and reduce the risk of injuries along the way.

Summing up

It should be noted that there’s more to good posture than meets the eye since body alignment has a direct connection to overall health. Here, becoming acquainted with posture issues is already half the battle if you want to optimize your fitness level and well-being.

Thankfully, there’s a chiropractor for posture at Posture Perfect who understands the said connection and possesses the knowledge and expertise that can help you unlock better health.

Book an appointment now and let our experts fix your posture problems.