Bad posture is a modern day health epidemic that is much worse than most people naturally assume. Posture is the window into your spine. The spine has a powerful relationship with the brain, spinal cord, and overall organ function. This intimate connection means that poor posture and spinal health will lead to an overall decrease in brain and organ function.

Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Roger Sperry says that the spine is the motor that drives the brain. According to his research "90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine." Only 10% of our brain's energy goes into thinking, metabolism, immunity, and healing. Sperry demonstrated that 90% of brain energy goes into processing and maintaining the body's relationship with gravity.

One of the worst types of health problems people experience is a loss of the natural curves of their spine. Ideally, we should have a 40-45 degree curve in our neck that many chiropractors and neurosurgeons refer to as "the arc of life." This curve helps to protect the brain stem and the spinal canal for the spinal cord and nerves that travel to every region of our body.

Subluxation is the term for misalignments of the spine that cause compression and irritation of nerve pathways affecting organ systems of the body. Subluxations can manifest as pain, but since only a small portion of spinal nerves transmit pain sensations they are often unnoticeable by the individual. Losing the arc of life in the neck, forward head posture, and scoliosis are three of the most dangerous forms of subluxation.

Subluxation patterns such as forward head posture and loss of the neck curve are most often created by trauma and/or poor posture. Examples of trauma include the birth process (especially with forceps delivery), falls, car accidents, & sporting activities. The typical individual in our society today spends at least 3-4 hours a day slumped in front of a television, computer, and texting cell phone. These behaviors cause the head to shift forward and create a lasting posture pattern called forward head posture.

This 'forward head posture' can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage pulling the entire spine out of alignment and may result in the loss of 30% of vital lung capacity," says University of California's director of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Rene Cailliet.

Some chiropractors specialize in corrective care techniques that reduce or eliminate forward head posture and restore the natural curves of the body. This is done through gentle & specific adjustments that take pressure off of the brain stem and nerve pathways and enhance function to the body.  Studies have shown that corrective based chiropractic care effectively reduces forward head posture and enhances the arc of life. 

Improve your posture through a chiropractic adjustment!  Contact our office today!

January 10, 2011; Dr. David Jockers; Natural News.com

The effects of poor posture can be serious in terms of health, comfort, and efficiency, causing fatigue.  Many problems can be helped.  If you or a member of your family has what appears to be postural problems, you should seek the advise of a chiropractor.  Unless there is an anatomical (structural deformity) or pathological (disease-caused) disturbance, the chances for correction are excellent.

If not corrected, poor posture can affect the health and well-being of the individual.  Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing, a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination, and poor venous return.  Each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs, but also the systems.  Lack of energy and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.

What are the benefits of correct posture?
1)  Improves health.
2)  Improves appearance.
3)  Improves coordination.
4)  Increases strength.
5)  Gives more stamina.
6)  Allows clothes to fit better.
7)  Gives confidence.
8)  Gives better body balance and improves agility.
9)  Reduces the possiblity for injury.
10)  Aids in physcial and mental development.

There are many benefits for ensuring correct posture.  If a family member, friend, or yourself needs help with obtaining better posture, feel free to contact our office for more information.  We would love the opportunity to improve your health!