What is Poor Posture?
When the body is in a position that is not neutral, or asymmetrical, it is generally referred to as 'poor posture. When there is muscle weakness, structural abnormalities, or misalignments in the joints, the body attempts to compensate for these biomechanical imbalances.
Having poor posture puts us in a vicious cycle; the more the body tries to compensate for the abnormal positions, the more it will assume abnormal positions to adapt, worsening the posture. In time, poor posture can cause structural problems that lead to more serious health concerns.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Posture
Poor posture is usually easily identified simply by observing the way a person sits and/or stands. Someone with poor posture may extend the head and neck, slouch, have a rounded neck, or stooped shoulders, or may need to keep their knees slightly bent when walking or standing.
The effects of poor posture rarely go unnoticed as well. People with poor posture usually suffer from back aches, sore shoulders, stiff necks, lower back pain, or headaches. Sometimes the problem may get more severe, causing weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.
Poor posture can lead to chronic pain that may, in time, become debilitating. It may cause the vertebrae to compress, muscles to become overstretched and/or compacted arthritis, or herniated discs.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Poor Posture
The upper cervical spine is comprised of the uppermost seven vertebrae, which begin at the base of the skull and run down through the neck. Its function is to support the carriage of the head and allow the head and neck to move; it also protects the central nervous system at that important juncture where the spinal cord and brain stem connect.
It should come as no surprise that the neck is a vulnerable area. It doesn't take a large jolt or impact to knock the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine out of alignment; chronic poor posture or awkward sleeping positions alone can accomplish this. Even minute misalignments of the upper cervical spine can cause posture-related pain and injuries, straining muscles, inflaming tissue, compressing nerves, and damaging joints.
How Our Poor Posture Treatment Works
There are several ways to treat poor posture. Being conscious of how you are sitting, using devices, standing, and sleeping will help. Use an ergonomic chair, and hold your hand-held devices up so you don't strain your neck to look down at them.
Long-term problems with poor posture may require intervention by a specialist. Dr. Bejian Shamloo is an upper cervical specialist who can provide safe, natural treatments for poor posture. Chiropractic care can correct current issues, alleviate many symptoms, and nip future problems in the bud.
Dr. Shamloo conducts a thorough screening with advanced diagnostic imaging tools, such as advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography. The doctor can then calculate any misalignments and make more precise corrections. With a thorough screening, adjustments are gentler and tend to hold longer, allowing your body's natural healing processes to take over and repair some of the damage as your posture improves.
Don't let poor posture rack your body with unnecessary pain and health problems; contact Dr. Shamloo for a consultation. Dr. Shamloo provides upper cervical chiropractic treatment for patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.