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Correct posture is a function of a normally maintained body. Just like an automobile requires proper wheel and tire alignment to function optimally, the human body requires proper spinal alignment and muscle tone to maintain a normal posture.
Correct posture is determined by a series of spinal joints, muscles, discs and ligaments. Each of these parts of your body's anatomy functions as a whole in providing normal posture. The spine is composed of bones, joints and discs which, when placed in the correct posture, are capable of withstanding high degrees of stress. The spine is extremely flexible yet it also provides protection for the spinal cord, nervous system and supports the internal organs. It acts more like a flexible spring, which is capable of withstanding forces, rather than a stick, which when enough force is applied to it, will eventually break.
Due to the fact that human beings walk erect on two legs, we must withstand a high degree of external stress, namely, gravity. Gravity continually acts to compress our body and its effects can lead to poor posture if our body cannot withstand it effectively.
Our spinal posture is unique. In the neck or cervical region, the spine curves forward, in the mid-back or thoracic region, the spine curves backward and in the lower back or lumbar region, the spine curves forward again. Subluxations arise when our alignment is at fault. This is seen in cases when the spinal curves are either too large or too small. Normal posture is seen in patients when a line passes from the ear to the shoulder, down to the hip and knee and to the ankle. If you do not line up along these lines, your posture is abnormal and will produce subluxations.
Posture is also assessed by your Chiropractor by viewing the spine from behind. You should notice that the spine is basically straight up and down and that it does not tilt to one side or the other. Also, the shoulders and hips, when viewed from behind while standing, should be even. This means that one shoulder or hip is not higher than the other. Scoliosis is a spinal condition in which the spine, when viewed from behind, tilts to one side or the other. This can lead to a lot of back pain and compression of the internal organs as well. Scoliosis can be detected at an early age and its progression can be slowed until full growth is seen, at adulthood. It is therefore imperative that all children be examined by their Doctor of Chiropractic at an early age in order to detect scoliosis or other spinal conditions
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