What is a postural alteration?
The human body is designed to operate in gravity. Gravity is a force that comes from above down. The spine is designed with certain curvatures to be able to absorb and withstand the effects of gravity with minimal strain of the other structures, muscles, ligaments and joints.
When the human body is put in a position contrary to its design, over a period of time, it will begin to show signs of strain. These are called postural alterations. These can lead to premature wear and tear called arthritis or degeneration and can also lead to a plethora of symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, tiredness etc.
Certain postures are difficult to avoid in a society focused on computers and sitting. The ill-effects of these sub-optimal postures need to be managed to decrease premature breakdown and increase longevity.
How do postural alterations happen?
When looking at posture, we must first look at the anatomy of the area. The neck is a mobile area of the spine with many moving pieces. The head, which is balanced on the top of the spine, weighs approximately 10 pounds, that is the weight of a big bowling ball!!
Holding the head forward increases the strain on the back of the neck and upper back. When the head is flexed 60 degrees it is equivalent to 60 lbs. Imagine the strained placed on the upper back and neck with this posture.
Knowing that the spine is a balancing act to keep the head on top of the center point and the eyes level to allow the brain to work properly, it is easy to see the effects of various standing and sitting postures on the spinal elements.
Looking at the spine when sitting, dramatic spinal changes can be noted.
Spinal alterations can also be noted with changes in standing posture. This is particularly apparent when the head is pitched forward, or the person is standing with the majority of the weight on one leg.
Notice that the beltline is lower on the right side sending the entire spine on a trajectory to the right. In an attempt to keep the head centered, the midback then corrects the opposite way. The result of these compensations is placing undue stress on the vertebrae. This stress causes abnormal wear patterns and breakdown of the structures of the spine including disc injuries, facet syndrome , sacroiliac syndrome, sciatica or neck issues.
Thinking of these abnormal wear patterns in the spine is similar to the wear patterns that are seen on the tires in a car with a poor wheel alignment. Having proper wheel alignment on a car allows the tires to wear more evenly and prolong the life expectancy of the tires. Similarly, proper alignment of the spinal structures allows for better, more even wear of the vertebral and nervous system structures and prevents breakdown. Breakdown from wear and tear in the body is known as arthritis or degeneration
Treatment for postural alterations
Treatment occurs in many phases. The patterns observed are usually formed over a long period of time and well anchored in place. The first step is to identify the source of the postural alterations. At times, postural alterations come from an avoidance posture indicating a deeper underlying issue. It is critical to properly evaluate a condition prior to beginning treatment.
The chiropractic examination is the first step in establishing the source of the dysfunction and setting a course for treatment. When the diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.
Chiropractic treatment is aimed at restoring proper function to the spine and nervous system. Once these functions are restored, homecare can be added to increase the ability of the body to hold a proper alignment.
Other aspects of treatment may include modifications to the workstation, sitting habits and sleeping habits. In some cases, the use of orthotics may be beneficial to stabilise the pelvis and help the body maintain proper posture.
Chiropractors are experts in the field of biomechanics and posture, particularly how it affects the nervous system function.