POSTURE, ERGONOMICS, & HEALTH

The human body is built in such a way that allows it to function and adapt to a gravity controlled atmosphere. Because gravity is a consistent force, our body has developed an optimal structure and alignment of bone, ligament, and muscle to most efficiently experience this environment. This mechanical advantage is based on the proper curvatures in our spine and symmetrical alignment of our hips, shoulders, and head.

Some of the most mechanically resilient structures in the world are based on the use of equilateral triangles. The Egyptians for example, used a series of equilateral (30,60,90 degree) triangles to construct their monumental pyramids. The human spine is constructed in the same way. This mechanical advantage allows our body to function at extremely high level.

“The nervous system controls all other systems and relates the individual to his or her environment” Gray’s Anatomy 29th edition

Posture plays a powerfully intimate role in our health and well-being. Postural distortions cause our body to inefficiently utilize more energy to stabilize and control the various functions. The brain and spinal cord – the chief controlling network of the body is most vulnerable to any sort of postural distortion. When the skull or spinal column is out of place it puts increased pressure and aberrant forces on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This pressure and damage to the nervous system is called subluxation. The subluxation process leads to dangerous levels of toxic buildup and degeneration throughout the body. Symptoms may not arise during the early stages but as the damage progresses they manifest in the form of many of the major health disturbances our society is experiencing. Spinal/muscular pain, digestive disturbances, cardiac and respiratory dysfunction, headaches, and high blood pressure are just a few of the many altered biological functions created by faulty posture and subluxation.

Recent estimates show that most of our population is currently experiencing postural distortions. This is clearly evidenced in the millions who are suffering needlessly from arthritic and chronic pain conditions that are linked strongly to abnormal postures, repetitive motions and ergonomic skills. However, millions more are not experiencing disturbing symptoms but are nonetheless degenerating at accelerated rates due to uneven posture and stress loads.
When we experience postural distortions, we are no longer able to adapt to the demands of our environment in the most optimal way. Dr. Norman Sheally and a group of medical doctors and Ph D’s did an extensive review of the impact of posture on health. They found that “posture affects all human function from breathing to thinking.” The most significant influences were upon respiration, oxygenation, and sympathetic function. In fact, postural distortions have been shown to reduce respiratory function by 30%. Less oxygen = environment for disease progression. The authors concluded that “Inefficient posture and resultant poor breathing habits eventually lead to pathological dysfunction.” On the other hand, it is also stated that true health and “the highest levels of human efficiency and function are absolutely dependent upon maximally efficient posture and breathing habits.”

Forward Head syndrome is the most common and destructive postural distortion. It is estimated that 80-90% of our society has some degree of forward head syndrome. People develop forward head when there spinal curvatures weaken and distort causing their head to shift forward. The ligaments become deformed and develop rigid scar tissue to prevent the head from falling off the shoulders. The head and neck extensor muscles shorten and become hypertonic to maintain the normal eye righting reflex (keeping your eyes level with the field). This process locks the unwanted position in place and makes it very difficult to reverse. Even worse, this syndrome causes the spinal cord to be stretched and squeezed. This pressure results in pathological tension that leads to sickness and disease in our vital organs.

Rene Cailliet, the Director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation @ University of Southern California, published a report in 1987 after extensive research was performed on Forward Head Syndrome. What Dr. Cailliet found was that Forward Head Syndrome:

1) Begins with a loss of the cervical curve
2) Can add up to an additional 30lbs of pressure on the spine.
3) Causes abnormal motion in the cervical spine reducing endorphin producing ability.
4) Lack of endorphins causes an increased sensation of pain.
5) Depletes lung capacity by as much as 30% - causing heart, lung, and vascular disorders
6) Causes a disruption in the normal flow of our GI tract causing constipation and toxic buildup in our body
7) Leads to compensatory postural deviations in the spine that cause further disruption to health and function.

The only proven way to correct Forward Head Syndrome is by:
1) Correcting the position of the skull
2) Adjusting the cervical vertebra back to their optimal position through specific chiropractic adjustments.
3) Rehabilitating the essential stability muscles in the back and shoulders
4) Correcting the compensatory postural deviations through specific chiropractic adjustments and neurologically specific rehabilitative procedures.

Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained to correct subluxations like Forward Head Syndrome through scientifically specific and gentle series of adjustments. The adjustments restore maximal nerve supply, bringing harmony back to the body. Then a series of stretches and exercises are given to maintain healthy spine and posture between chiropractic check-ups. Much like brushing your teeth to maintain dental hygiene, we need to continuously maintain awareness of our spine and postural hygiene.

*The most important aspect of health is the establishment and maintenance of maximum nerve supply*

Posture Tips:
1) Sign up today for a chiropractic exam
2) Be aware of your posture at all times
3) Sit up tall – belly tucked in, shoulders back, and chin up
4) Utilize the headrest in your vehicle – tuck your chin and press your head back against the headrest. Hold while breathing for 10-15 sec. – do 10 reps every time you get into your car.
5) Perform spinal hygiene exercises 2-3x per day.

Sources:

1. Sheally N, Lennon B.M., Cady R, Matta W, Cox R, Simpson W. Postural and Respiratory Modulation of Autonomic Function, Pain, and Health. AJPM 1994; 4:1, 36-39.

2. Cailliet R, Gross L. Rejuvenation Strategy. New York: Doubleday Co. 1987