Due to an array of reasons, many individuals suffer from different postural defects. These defects don’t only cause physical discomfort but could also affect work and other areas of life. So, if you are dealing with a postural defect, you shouldn’t hesitate to look for a solution.
What is poor posture?
Poor posture refers to a condition causing the spine to stay in an unnatural position. This problem forces the vertebrae, muscles, and joints out of position. It should be noted that postural defects are relatively common conditions that can be mild, moderate or severe. They can affect different parts of the body, especially the neck, hips, shoulders, back muscles, spine, and abdominal wall.
Symptoms of poor posture
Depending on the specific postural defect you are dealing with, this condition can show a wide range of symptoms. However, a few of these symptoms may be invisible.
Some of the most common symptoms of poor posture are:
- Hunchback
- Slouching
- Bent knees
- Locked knees
- Excess extension of the shoulder blades backward
- Tilting of the head forward or backward
- Arching of the low back
- Rounded shoulders
- Potbelly
- Back pain
- Muscle fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
What are the causes of postural defects? What can they lead to?
Various factors could be responsible for postural defects. They include:
- Work activities such as sitting improperly behind the desk for extended can put strains on the spine, abdominal wall, and back muscles
- Injuries from sports, accidents, or other physical activities
- Genetic conditions that lead to the deformity of the hips and spine
- Congenital issues such as leg length disorder or scoliosis
- The constant wearing of poor-quality shoes
- Pregnancy
- Mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem
- Overweight
- Poor awareness or education about correct posture
- Big breasts that result in the displacement of the shoulders
Although repetitive and sedentary lifestyles are not causes of poor posture, they can increase its risk.
If poor posture is left untreated for a long period, it can result in many other conditions such as:
- Spinal misalignment
- Chronic pain in the affected areas
- Migraines
- Sciatica
- Problems with the digestive system such as heartburn and slow digestion
Treating poor posture with osteopathy
Considering the various effects of poor posture on the body, any affected individual must seek help immediately. Fortunately, you can explore various ways to deal with this condition. Osteopathy is a tested and trusted method targeted at providing holistic treatment for a wide range of health issues.
To get osteopathic assistance when suffering from postural defects, you have to look for a professional who practices osteopathy in your vicinity. For instance, if you are in London, visit an osteopath in London. The expert will evaluate your condition and determine the best way to treat you.
Regardless of the treatment techniques, the professional will use their expertise to manipulate the soft tissues, muscles, and joints responsible for the postural issues. When done correctly, your body can return to its normal position. Nonetheless, some postural defects cannot be corrected completely, but an osteopath can help you to relieve some of the symptoms of poor posture.
What treatment techniques do osteopaths use for correcting poor posture? These techniques include:
- Stretching and massaging
If the muscles are misaligned, an osteopath can use stretching and massaging to alleviate the condition. Depending on the level of misalignment, the body structure can return to its previous state or, at least, get better.
- Mobilisation of the spine
Is the spine out of position? An osteopath can get the spine into balance by mobilising it. Once done, you can experience a significant improvement in the use of your spine.
- Strengthening exercises
In some circumstances, there could be some weak postural muscles. Therefore, trained personnel can use strengthening exercises to train those muscles.
- Recommendation of posture corrector devices
After assessing your condition, an osteopath can determine whether a posture-corrector device can improve your condition or not. If it can, the professional will recommend some high-quality products for you to buy.
- Education on proper ergonomics
The way we carry things, walk, sit down, stand, and do other activities are major contributors to poor posture. Irrespective of the treatment undergone, the condition may return if you don’t observe proper ergonomics. So, an osteopath will give you some important ergonomic tips that can change your life.
While osteopathy can solve lots of postural defects, you will not experience changes overnight. Given this, you have to undergo a couple of sessions of the treatment before expecting any improvement in your condition.