Gravity can have a significant impact on posture. The constant downward pull of gravity can cause the body to naturally slump or round forward, especially in the upper back and shoulders, which can lead to poor posture over time.
Gravity can also affect the spine, causing it to compress and flatten, which can lead to back pain and discomfort. In addition, the pelvis can tilt forward or backward, which can create an imbalance in the lower back and lead to pain and tension.
To counteract the effects of gravity on posture, it’s important to maintain good posture by actively engaging the muscles that support the spine, such as the core and back muscles. Exercises such as Pilates, yoga, and strength training can help improve posture by strengthening these muscles.
Additionally, practicing good ergonomics, such as sitting with your feet flat on the ground and your back against the chair, can also help reduce the effects of gravity on posture. Regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around can also be helpful in reducing the negative effects of gravity on posture.
Traction and inversion can be great tools to help undue the stress of gravity on poor posture. Opening the joint spaces, loosening muscles and ligaments that are compressing on the discs and joints can relieve significant pressure and stress from the spine.
Chiropractic care can be excellent for correcting posture. The above tips are great for relieving stress and tension, but without correcting the problem, you are only really treating the symptoms. When the spine is out of alignment it will adapt to its environment and create areas of stress and tension to try to avoid further injury. This is one way that arthritis develops in a joint. Increased stress and lack of movement cause joints to break down and cause the bone to lay down more bone to try to stabilize the affected joint. This is referred to as ‘Wolff’s Law’; natural healthy bone will adapt and change to the stress it is subjected to. Chiropractic adjustments will remove the stress from the joint, improve the motion and help to realign the spine. Once the spine is in better alignment and motion, strengthening and postural exercises can be more effective. It is easier to maintain a healthy spine than trying to rehabilitate a spine that has been damaged with years of poor posture and degeneration.
-Dr. Stadnik, is a Doctor of Chiropractic, who is specially trained in spinal biomechanics to recognize, diagnose and treat spine and postural misalignments. His treatment plan includes Chiropractic adjustments, spinal rehabilitation therapy, as well as home instruction to help treat poor posture and biomechanical problems of the spine. His clinic is in NW San Antonio. For more information, call us at 210-774-4861.
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