Why Posture is Important and Postural Imbalances- Bozeman Chiropractic

Why Good Posture Matters

While growing up many of us are told to sit up straight. When I was young, I was under the impression that it was an issue of respect for the people around me; as a health care provider, I am keenly aware of the stress that poor posture exerts on the body. Basic physics illuminates the fact that for every little bit of forward head posture, significantly more force and tension is experienced through the body, especially in the the neck and upper back. This can even put you at more of a risk of developing the following conditions.

• Tension and cervicogenic headaches
• Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
• Upper back trigger points
• TMJ pain/dysfunction
• Decrease in shoulder mobility
• Thoracic hyperkyphotic spine 

Common Muscular Imbalances

There are common muscle imbalances associate with forward head posture that also contributes to symptoms. Typically, with the head forward, we notice that the shoulders are rolled forward, the shoulder blades "wing" off the back and the upper back is rounded. Muscle tightness is often observed at the base of the skull, in the muscles of the upper back and neck and in the pectoral region while weakness is often noticed in the lower trapezius muscles (muscles that connect the shoulder blades to the mid to lower back. A broad term to describe these muscular imbalances is "Upper Cross Syndrome." 

Broken down upper cross syndrome involves...

• Tight pectorals, anterior deltoids
• Tight levator scapulae, upper trapezius, sub occipitals
• Weak deep neck flexors
• Weak middle/ lower trapezius and rhomboids 

Tips and Tricks to Helping Postural Imbalances

With computer work and time spent on phones so prevalent in today's society, information to help correct postural imbalances is more important now than ever. Stretches and exercises to correct the Upper Cross Syndrome, as well as postural breaks are excellent strategies for improved overall health. The doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic will often assist in improving spinal mobility, as well as performing soft tissue work to release tight tissues and recommend exercises to correct imbalances. If you would like to learn some strategies for improving posture, reducing back pain, neck pain and headaches, and reducing tensions come see the doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic.

For an Appointment, Call Gallatin Valley Chiropractic  406-551-2177 or go online to Gallatinvalleychiropractic.com