Posture is the window to the spine and poor posture can indicate a problem with the spine. One of the first indicators of poor posture is a slouching or forward head posture which can cause strain on the posterior neck muscles. It also increases the weight bearing on the spinal discs. Posture problems can also result simply from poor sleep habits or sleeping on mattresses that do not offer enough support. Another common posture problem is a forward tilt of the pelvis causing forward weight bearing and an increase in the lumbar lordosis (curvature) which can lead to lower back pain.
Winchester chiropractor, Max Atkinson says “A chiropractor searches for the problems that exist underneath poor posture”. At Bradford House Chiropractic & Wellness Centre our chiropractors assess posture from the front, looking for changes in stance, i.e. the outward turning of one or both feet. We also observe the alignment of the knees, the levelling of the hips or pelvis, the height differences across the shoulders and tilting of the head and neck. From the side we look for forward tilting of the pelvis, forward head translation and increase in the spinal curvatures. All of these changes add up to changes in the spine. We also observe a person while walking to see if there are gait changes. Gait, or the walking cycle, is an important indicator of how poor foot alignment affects spinal posture. Have a look at our page on TOG Gaitscan for more information on this important topic.
If you require treatment and live in the Winchester and Hampshire areas then ring the Bradford House Chiropractic & Wellness Centre on 01962 861188 or Contact us now to book your initial appointment.
