Consequences of Bad Posture

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Consequences of Bad Posture

• By Cloverdale Rehabilitation Clinic

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• At Cloverdale Rehab Centers in Etobicoke, ON, we
  aim to deliver quality care to patients in a
  comfortable and convenient setting. We see a lot
  of patients with postural dysfunction. Over time
  we have developed some key points to educate our
  patients regarding Poor Posture.
• Defination Posture is a position or attitude of
  the body, the relative arrangement of body parts
  for a specific activity, or a characteristic
  manner of bearing ones body. i.e. posture is
  another word that most therapists use
  interchangeably with alignment So, why is
  posture important? Each individual is unique in
  terms of personality and physical shape, so
  shouldnt posture be unique to each person too?
  Yes and no. While we each have our own
  preferences and habits, theres definitely a
  right way of alignment for optimum health.

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CURVES OF THE SPINE

• The spine curves forward at the neck and lower
  back, known as LORDOSIS. It curves backwards at
  the mid-back, known as KYPHOSIS. Excesses in any
  of these curves causes imbalance and asymmetry.
  Here are few EXAMPLES OF NON-IDEAL POSTURAL
  ALIGNMENT
• Ideal alignment Ears in line with shoulders in
  line with hips, knees, and ankles
• Kypholordosis Exaggerated curves in mid and
  lower back
• Flat back Flattening of the curves of mid and
  lower back, most commonly seen in office-workers
• Sway back Forward shift of the pelvis in
  relation to the hips leading to a flattened low
  back and more curved mid back

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EFFECTS OF POOR POSTURE

1. Impaired mobility manifested by tightness in
   certain groups and weakness in others
2. Excessive compression of joints leading to
   herniated discs, facet dysfunction, impingement
   etc
3. Reduced lung capacity
4. Impaired digestion
5. Compression on nerves and/or blood vessels

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HOW DO I FIX IT?

• To put it simply, sit up straight! The more we
  actively try to maintain our spine in a neutral
  alignment, the less damage we cause. Here are
  some tips to help minimize the effects of
  improper alignment.
• Take frequent breaks, whether you are in a job
  that is sedentary or physically taxing. Repeated
  load bearing movements such as lifting or
  sustained positions such as sitting at a desk for
  many hours are both equally detrimental.
• Correct slouching by remembering to stand so that
  your head is stacked squarely above the chest and
  the pelvis is directly over the center of the
  knees and ankles. Stand with your back against a
  wall and draw your shoulder blades down and take
  a deep breath.
• Use an ergonomically designed work station. A
  chair with the right amount of curvature in the
  lower back area will align the entire spine to a
  good neutral position.
• Adopt a sound lifting technique. Do a
  squat-lift v/s a stoop-lift. Use a hand truck
  or a dolly if possible. For more information on
  how to lift, see a physiotherapist for a
  work-safety consultation.

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• To ensure the best spinal health, schedule a
  consultation with Cloverdale Rehab in Etobicoke,
  ON. We encourage you to contact us whenever you
  have an interest or concerns simply visit our
  website http//cloverdalerehab.com/ Or Call us to
  BOOK APPOINTMENT At 416 239 6755