Posture
Posture has its associated problems and these can be explored by considering the lumbar (lower) spine and how it is tied in with the operation of the pelvis, hip flexors/extensors and hamstrings (back of leg) and upper front leg muscles (quadriceps).
The piriformis muscle must also be reviewed.
The natural S-shape curve of the spine from the neck (cervical) down the thoracic region (12-vertebrae, ribbed) and the lumbar region (5 vertebrae) acts like a spring. If the curves are too exaggerated or too flat, then the spine cannot work properly. You can test your own posture by standing with your back to a wall and your shoulders and buttocks touching the wall. You should be able to place your fingers behind your back, but no further than the top of the hand. If you can reach up to your wrist then the curve is too great. If you cannot get your fingers behind your back then the curve is too flat. Either way, postural problems are indicated.
The pelvis is balanced by powerful internal musculature involving the hip flexors, extensors and abdominals. The abdominal muscles are many, not just the rectus abdominis (visible down the front), but also the internal and external obliques and the transversus abdominis. Because the pelvis is balanced by all these muscles it can tilt forward or rearward if muscle strength or length is incorrect. If the pelvis tilts forward (as in pregnancy) then the lower lumbar spine is pulled forward making the S-curve too great. If the hamstrings are too tight the pelvis is tilted rearward straightening the back too much. Again the S-shape curve of the spine is incorrect. This always results in lower back pain.
To complicate postural problems even more, the centre of gravity is moved. The upper back/head position has to be changed to offset the incorrect body balance position. If the belly is moved forward this increases the curve in the lumbar spine and means that the chest will probably be moved further rearward increasing the bend at the lower spine. The chest is moved rearward and will almost certainly involve the head being pushed forwards. This makes the middle back (thoracic region) more curved.
The head pushed forward and upwards means increasing the neck (cervical) curve to restore horizontal vision - unless looking upwards is desirable. All of this adds up to grief and is all caused by poor pelvic alignment. This pelvic imbalance may be caused by a range of reasons, but one of these reasons could be incorrect stretching and/or strengthening.
The piriformis muscle must also be reviewed.
The natural S-shape curve of the spine from the neck (cervical) down the thoracic region (12-vertebrae, ribbed) and the lumbar region (5 vertebrae) acts like a spring. If the curves are too exaggerated or too flat, then the spine cannot work properly. You can test your own posture by standing with your back to a wall and your shoulders and buttocks touching the wall. You should be able to place your fingers behind your back, but no further than the top of the hand. If you can reach up to your wrist then the curve is too great. If you cannot get your fingers behind your back then the curve is too flat. Either way, postural problems are indicated.
The pelvis is balanced by powerful internal musculature involving the hip flexors, extensors and abdominals. The abdominal muscles are many, not just the rectus abdominis (visible down the front), but also the internal and external obliques and the transversus abdominis. Because the pelvis is balanced by all these muscles it can tilt forward or rearward if muscle strength or length is incorrect. If the pelvis tilts forward (as in pregnancy) then the lower lumbar spine is pulled forward making the S-curve too great. If the hamstrings are too tight the pelvis is tilted rearward straightening the back too much. Again the S-shape curve of the spine is incorrect. This always results in lower back pain.
To complicate postural problems even more, the centre of gravity is moved. The upper back/head position has to be changed to offset the incorrect body balance position. If the belly is moved forward this increases the curve in the lumbar spine and means that the chest will probably be moved further rearward increasing the bend at the lower spine. The chest is moved rearward and will almost certainly involve the head being pushed forwards. This makes the middle back (thoracic region) more curved.
The head pushed forward and upwards means increasing the neck (cervical) curve to restore horizontal vision - unless looking upwards is desirable. All of this adds up to grief and is all caused by poor pelvic alignment. This pelvic imbalance may be caused by a range of reasons, but one of these reasons could be incorrect stretching and/or strengthening.
posted by Louis Brothnias @ 1:09 PM
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