MAKING THE CONNECTION Poor posture while sitting, standing, lying down, or while in motion leaves the spine vulnerable to fatigue, strain, and injuries. When the spine is not in proper alignment, the spinal muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints are all under increased and uneven strain. Therefore, muscle strain can occur frequently. Spinal discs also suffer as a result of poor posture. When the spine is not in proper alignment, the shock-absorbing discs between the vertebrae are subject to uneven pressure and wear. The lower back is especially vulnerable to pain caused by poor posture, as the L3-S1 areas support most of the weight of the body. Muscles that support the spine must have enough strength and endurance to keep the spine upright and in neutral alignment. Muscles that affect the alignment of the spine need sufficient flexibility, so they do not pull the spine out of alignment. For example, tight muscles in the front of the hips pull the top of the pelvis forward, which causes excessive lordosis of the lower back. In addition, tight pectoral muscles result in the thoracic spine being excessively kyphotic. Physical therapy restores flexibility, improving your patient’s posture, alleviating back or neck pain. Our expert therapists work with your patients on posture education, relieving back or neck pain, and teaching the correct exercises to further improve and maintain their posture.
Made with FlippingBook HTML5