Posture is a person’s habitual upright posture at rest (standing, sitting) or when walking. The term is used to characterize the physical aspects of holding the body, such as the position of the head, shoulders, and back. Proper posture refers to a certain position of the spine and joints that promotes optimal load distribution and prevents possible deformities or diseases associated with improper body posture. The consequences of poor posture include various health problems such as back pain, muscle imbalances and other conditions.
Symptoms
In some cases, posture disorders are detected only by palpatory examination of the spinal column, in other cases, the deformity is determined by visual inspection. Considering that the initial stages of vertebral curvature proceed latently, schools conduct regular medical examinations of students. If even minor deviations are detected, the child is referred for consultation to an orthopedic traumatologist.
With visually noticeable deformities, the following signs can be determined:
- strengthening of physiologic curves;
- appearance of pathologic (lateral) curvatures;
- asymmetry of the upper arms;
- elevation or lowering of the upper arms;
- rounding of the back;
- deviation of the shoulder joints to the front;
- forward protrusion of the abdomen;
- wing-shaped shoulder blades;
- flattening of the physiologic bulges of the vertebral column;
- gait disturbance.
If you notice even 1 sign, you should consult an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor will help you determine if there is a pathology or if it is normal.
Physical consequences of poor posture
Posture plays an important role in a person’s overall health by affecting various body systems. It can lead to a number of short- and long-term consequences affecting the spine, joints, muscles and internal organs.
1. Back and neck pain
One of the most common consequences of poor posture is back and neck pain. They are caused by the unnatural distribution of stress on the spine and surrounding muscles.
- Chronic muscle strain leads to spasms, limited mobility and discomfort.
- Prolonged posture (e.g., working at a computer) overstretches the neck muscles, which can contribute to chronic pain.
2. Joint problems
Poor posture has a negative impact on the joints, especially the knees and hips:
- Excessive strain contributes to micro-damage.
- The risk of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory joint disease accompanied by cartilage destruction, bone deformation, swelling and pain, increases.
- People with osteoarthritis have difficulty walking, their movements become unsteady and slow.
3. Degenerative changes in the spine
Uneven load distribution affects the condition of the intervertebral discs:
- They receive less oxygen and nutrients, becoming more fragile and susceptible to wear and tear.
- This can lead to the development of osteochondrosis and then to a herniated disc, causing pain and limited mobility.
4. Spinal curvatures
Long-term poor posture can contribute to the development of structural changes in the spine such as:
- Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine caused by regular sitting or standing in an incorrect posture.
- Kyphosis – excessive forward movement of the upper back, resulting in the formation of a “hump”.
Both of these conditions are accompanied by pain, decreased flexibility of the spine, and possible breathing and digestive problems due to compression of internal organs.
5. General impairments
In addition to localized problems, poor posture can affect your overall health:
- Reduced movement efficiency and increased risk of injury.
- Deterioration of blood circulation due to muscle spasms that constrict blood vessels.
- Insufficient oxygen supply to the organs, which can lead to rapid fatigue and reduced performance.
Prevention of posture disorders
Prevention of posture disorders in children and adults involves observing the following recommendations:
- Using a firm mattress for sleeping;
- wearing orthopedic shoes;
- sufficient physical activity, including aerobic exercise;
- proper sitting at a desk/desk;
- wearing quality backpacks that evenly distribute the load on the spine.
While sitting at your office desk for long periods of time, it is important to take breaks – walk around the room and do simple physical exercises. This will help to reduce the load on the spine and relieve the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, which are under the most pressure.
Rehabilitation for postural disorders
After surgical treatment of vertebral deformities comes the stage of complex rehabilitation. Rehabilitation after posture disorders may include the following areas:
- performance of therapeutic physical therapy exercises according to a specially designed program;
- a course of restorative massage;
- taping;
- wearing a supportive corset for a short period of time;
- a course of physiotherapeutic procedures.
Conclusion
Posture disorders are one of the main causes of various diseases affecting the spine, joints, muscles and internal organs. Their consequences can manifest themselves in the form of back and neck pain, joint problems, degenerative changes in the spine, as well as deterioration of the general state of health. It is especially important to identify the signs of posture disorders in time to prevent the development of serious diseases and deformities.
Prevention and rehabilitation play a key role in maintaining spinal health and overall well-being. Proper posture, regular exercise, use of orthotics and timely treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and maintain good health. Taking care of your body, being aware of your posture and physical activity can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent many diseases.
