Duncan Chiropractic Group Newsletter

From Your Howell Michigan Area Chiropractor

Good Posture Leads To Good Health

Dr.George Traitses

The current fad of carrying a backpack instead of a book bag or purse, especially among teenagers, may well lead to serious health problems in the near future for many people in the province, according to the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA).

Youngsters often sling the backpack over just one shoulder, or don't bother to position the pack accurately, so that the hips carry the majority of the weight. Correcting these, and other postural bad habits is important, particularly among youngsters and teenagers, reports local OCA representative, Dr. George I. Traitses, Scarborough/Markham.

"Correct posture not only make us look good but it contributes to good health," Dr. Traitses.

"When our bodies are aligned and balanced, tissues and bones work in dynamic balance for our health. In addition, with proper posture, people move with ease, confidence and grace. Isn't that the way you want people to perceive you?"

Postural "no-no's"

Incorrect postural alignment can cause a variety of musculoskeletal and organic problems, such as abnormal spinal curvatures (of which scoliosis is the most extreme example), degenerative disk disease, and muscle and ligament damage. Even simple, everyday postural slips can lead to big problems if left uncorrected.

Dr. Traitses says that some of the most common traits include: cradling the telephone receiver between shoulder and ear; sitting improperly, especially at an office workstation, as well as toting a backpack over just one shoulder, mentioned above.

"The 'couch potato slump', where people fall asleep on the sofa, head on the arm rest, is a real no-no," says Dr. Traitses.

When sitting at work -- or anywhere else, in fact -- position your lower back against the back of the chair, to obtain the greatest amount of support. At a workstation, adjust the chair's height so that your knees are flexed at a 90 angle when your feet are flat on the floor. Then, arrange your computer monitor so that the first reading line at the top of the screen is at eye level.

Balancing the curves

The secret to good posture is understanding and maintaining the balance among the spine's four natural curves -- two forward curves, at the neck and lower back, and two backward curves, at the middle back and sacrum (base of the spine).

"The curves are necessary to give resiliency and bounce to the spine, to absorb impact," says Dr. Traitses, "If they are too flat, our ligaments and muscles become strained. If they are too accentuated, we cannot transfer our body weight efficiently. Movement becomes more difficult, draining our energy."

So, the military standard of 'chest out, shoulders back' is not good advice, after all. Instead, imagine drawing a line down the side of your body, from your ear through your shoulder, hip, the front of your knee and the front of your ankle. If you can, your alignment is right.

Tips for good posture

In general terms, to achieve good posture: stand with feet hip-width apart; distribute weight evenly through the base of the feet;

1. Ease knees so that the tailbone moves slightly under and forward, widening the lower back;
2. Drop shoulders, feeling the breastbone expand and lift slightly;
3. Allow head to rest lightly on the spine, as if held from a sky hook, and
4. The neck to feel long and empty.

In addition, says Dr. Traitses, "Close your eyes for a moment and let your attention drop into the center of your body. Be aware of the rise and fall of your belly as you breathe, and the sway and balance of your body with gravity. Relax any muscles which have tensed to hold you up. Relax your joints. Feel the balance and ease of the posture.

"Good postural alignment contributes to deep, full breathing, as well as healthy organ function, good circulation and increased energy. Because of the relationships of the bones, organs and systems of our bodies, good posture is one of the most important factors in good health. It is also one we can act upon easily."

Chiropractors are licensed as doctors, authorized to diagnose and treat conditions concerning the spine, muscle and nervous systems. Chiropractors work to promote optimal health and wellness through positive lifestyle changes. The OCA is a voluntary membership organization representing more than 1,800 Ontario chiropractors. The objectives of the Association include public education and research devoted to improving the quality of health care for the citizens of Ontario.