Good posture, or holding the body in proper alignment, can be achieved actively by standing tall with our shoulders back. Many people, however, adopt a position subconsciously, for example by slouching. According to Andre Bernard, Wolfgang Steinmuller, and Ursula Stricker in their book "Ideokinesis: A Creative Approach to Human Movement and Body Alignment," poor posture can have a negative effect on health and well-being, including causing chronic back pain, tension headaches, a shift in center of gravity leading to impaired balance and even digestive problems.
Hyperkyphosis
Hyperkyphosis is characterized by an excessive thoracic curve which gives the upper back a rounded appearance. The rounded upper back is normally accompanied by a forward head position and may be the result of a spinal defect or poor sitting habits. Tall people are prone to suffering from hyperkyphosis, in some cases because they feel self-conscious about their height and so tend to slouch.
Hyperkyphosis Management
To counter hyperkyphosis, ascertain the reason for the condition. To reduce the degree of excessive kyphotic curve (a term sometimes used in place of hyperkyphosis) you might engage in a regime of soft tissue release, stretching the muscles at the front of the body and strengthening the ones to the rear. If left uncorrected, hyperkyphosis may degenerate into a fixed "dowager's hump" which cannot be corrected and can lead to reduced spinal function and pain.
Hyperlordosis
Characterized by an excessive lumbar curve and tilted pelvis, hyperlordosis is more commonly seen in women. The increased mobility of the pelvis and joint laxity required for childbirth predisposes women to developing hyperlordosis, although it is not unheard of in men. The excessive lumbar curve puts a lot of pressure on the posterior aspect of the spine and can be painful and lead to wear and tear of the intervertebral discs.
Hyperlordosis Management
Management of hyperlordosis requires strengthening of the lower abdominal muscles which will stabilize the pelvis and reduce the tilt of the pelvis. You must maintain continual awareness of lumbar posture until the new pelvic position becomes automatic.
Scoliosis
When viewed from the front or the back, scoliosis presents as an S-shaped curve caused by a lateral deformity of the spine. This condition can be inherited or may be due to environmental factors. People suffering from scoliosis often have unevenly positioned shoulders and/or hips and may have a difference in leg length. Scoliosis treatment may consist of a plaster of Paris or fiberglass "jacket" to hold the spine in position, although this only tends to be the case in younger people with a severe lateral deformity.
Scoliosis Management
Treat mild scoliosis by adopting a contralateral stretching routine to lengthen tight muscles. Many of the one-sided activities we perform on a daily basis can contribute to scoliosis. For example, always standing with your weight more on one leg than the other, or leaning to one side when sitting can lead to adaptive shortening of the muscles in the side.
References
- "Posture, Get It Straight! Look Ten Years Younger, Ten Pounds Thinner and Feel Better Than Ever"; Janice S. Novak; 2006
- "Ideokinesis: A Creative Approach to Human Movement and Body Alignment"; Andre Bernard, Wolfgang Steinmuller, and Ursula Stricker; 2006
