The brain plays a critical role in maintaining posture, as it is responsible for processing sensory information from the body and coordinating muscle activity to maintain balance and stability. The brain receives information from the eyes, inner ear, and proprioceptors (sensory receptors in the muscles and joints), which it uses to determine the body’s position in space and make adjustments as needed to maintain balance. Over time, if a poor posture is maintained, the brain will actually change and adapt, believing that the poor posture is the new normal. The process of the brain changing is called neuroplasticity, and the adoption of a poor posture leads to other adaptations and compensations in other parts of the or the spine.
The good news is that neuroplasticity can play an important role in helping the brain develop new patterns of muscle activation and joint movement that promote better alignment and stability.
Chiropractic Biophysics, which is the technique used by Dr. Longo at Spine & Disc Specialists capitalizes on the brain’s ability to adapt and incorporates neuroplastic promoting exercises and adjustments into patients’ treatment plans. When combined with mirror image traction, the exercises and adjustments can lead to spinal remodeling and restoration of alignment and postures towards a more normal, or ideal, spine.
If you have concerns about your posture or spinal alignment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Poor posture can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and overall health. Posture refers to the position of the body and the alignment of the spine, and poor posture occurs when the body is not in its optimal alignment. In our office we use a variety of tools and techniques to assess the alignment of the spine and identify areas of misalignment such as digital X-rays with computer analysis, digital posture analysis, functional movement screens, and other diagnostic tests.
Here are some of the ways poor posture and a misaligned spine can negatively impact your health:
Reduced Performance: balance, power, agility, speed, and coordination are all negatively impacted by poor posture.
Pain and Spinal Arthritis: Poor posture can put undue stress on the muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. This can occur in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and knees, and can lead to chronic pain and arthritis if left untreated.
Reduced mobility: Poor posture can also limit a person’s range of motion and flexibility, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as bending, lifting, or reaching.
Fatigue: Holding the body in a poor posture requires more energy and can lead to fatigue and reduced stamina.
Breathing difficulties: Poor posture can compress the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths and leading to shallow breathing.
Digestive problems: Poor posture can also affect digestion by compressing the organs in the abdomen, leading to issues such as heartburn, constipation, and bloating.
Headaches: Poor posture can cause tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches.
Poor circulation: Poor posture can compress blood vessels and reduce circulation, leading to a range of health problems.
Self Esteem and Mood: Poor posture can also affect a person’s mood and self-esteem, as it can make them feel less confident and less attractive.