5: POSTURE Flashcards
What is optimal posture
The ability of the body to hold itself in neutral alignment against the force of gravity with minimal muscle activity
What is the natural curve of the spine
s shape
How many natural curves are in the spine
4
What are the 9 main causes for postural deviation
- Fashion
- Work/school
- Emotional state
- Sport
- Hereditary conditions
- Injuries
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Obesity
What is Hyper-Kyphosis
Exaggerated kyphotic (hump) curve of the thoracic verterbrae (head and shoulder forward of plump line)
What happens to the muscles in hyper-kyphosis
Excessively shortened and lengthened muscles in the front and back of the upper body.
Pecs - shortened
Traps - lower and mid are lengthened, upper shortened
Rhomboids - lengthened
What causes hyper-kyphosis
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors that lead to bad posture
- Deformity of spine formation
What is Hyper-Lordosis
Excessive curvature of the lower spine - inward curve of the lumbar spine. Anterior pelvic tilt, making bum look bigger. Abdominal forward of the plumb line and buttocks behind
What causes hyper lordosis
Poor sitting posture
Development from problems during child birth and pregnancy
What happens to the muscles in hyper lordosis
- Erector spinae - shortened
- Glutes - lengthened
- Hip flexors - shortened
- Transverse abdominis - weakened
- Rectus abdominis - lengthened
What is scoliosis
a sideways curvature of the spine. ‘s’ shape when observed from the back rather than side
What is the plumb line
The plumb line is an imaginary line that runs from the top of the head through the center of the body and down to the feet. It is used as a reference line to assess posture and alignment.
What is the ideal alignment in the plumb line in posture?
In the ideal alignment, the plumb line should pass through the center of the ear, the shoulder, the hip joint, the knee joint, and the ankle joint.
What are the benefits of maintaining proper alignment in the plumb line posture?
Maintaining proper alignment in the plumb line posture can help reduce stress on the joints, prevent injuries, improve breathing and circulation, and enhance overall movement efficiency.
What does Hyper-Kyphosis affects
- Shoulder join stability; resulting in tension in the neck and muscles = headaches
- Breathing less efficient
What does Hyper-Lordosis affect
Places pressure on intervertebral discs, compressing and synovial facet joints between each vertebra may become overloaded = lower back pain
What is Flat back
When the lumbar spine looses its natural curve and becomes flatter and less mobile. Pelvis posteriorly tilts and body leans forward
What causes flat back
- Injury
- Medical
- Poor posture from lifestyle
What is achondroplasia
Disproportionate dwarfism, caused by a bone growth disorder. Short in height with normal torso and short limbs
With achondroplasia, what happens during fetal development
Cartilage fails to convert to bone causing excessing curve of the lumbar spine (lordosis)
What is Congenital Kyphosis
when spinal development is disrupted in the womb (genetic).
What are the two basics types of congenital kyphosis
2 basic types:
1. Failure of information of a portion of one or more vertebral bones, usually in the thoracic region
2. Failure of segmentation - when two or more vertebral bones fail to fully separate from one another (fused together discs)
What is spina bifida
When a baby’s spine does not form in a normal way, leaving spinal cord and surrounding nerves damaged. Causes a visible cavity in the back. Effect of posture depends where it is but usually causes kyphosis
How to improve hyper-kyphosis
by strengthening the upper back muscles, improving mobility in the thoracic spine, and promoting a more upright posture
To improve hyper-kyphosis, what muscles should you focus on
- Pec major
- Deep nexk flexors
- Rectus abdominis (if chest if compressed)
- Levator scapulae/upper traps (if shoulder elevation present)
How to improve hyper-lordosis
by strengthening the abdominal muscles, lengthening the hip flexors, and improving alignment and posture.
To improve hyper-lordosis, what muscles should you focus on
Strengthening the abdominal group and glutes as these become weakened and lengthened
Hip flexors need to be lengthened
How to improve scoliosis
Any clients with noticeable asymmetry should be referred to a medical specialist
Mild scoliosis improved by basic measures to rebalance - if carrying heavy bag, switch shoulders
Muscles to focus on to improve scoliosis
Muscle imbalance exists on one side of the body therefore need to focus on unilateral exercises on where each side of the body works independently
How to improve swayback
habitual defect so encourage plumb line posture and shorten hip flexors
How to improve flatback
Strengthen lumbar spine through full range extension and strengthen hip flexors (if back tile of pelvis is present)
Encourage plumb line posture when bending or lifting
What is swayback
Appear slouched. Pelvis pushed forward of mid line of the body, thoracic part moves back, cervical region pushed forward.
What causes sway back
no muscular imbalance - down to habits
What is a herniated disc, and how can it affect posture?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc bulges out and puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can affect posture by causing pain, weakness, and changes in gait or posture.
What are facet joint problems, and how can they affect posture?
Facet joint problems occur when the joints in the spine become inflamed or damaged. This can affect posture by causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the spine.
What is scoliosis, and how can it affect posture?
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, resulting in an asymmetrical posture. Most often no known cause, but due to a degeneration of facet joints and internal discs. Scoliosis can affect posture by causing a noticeable curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders, and hips, and an altered gait pattern.
What is arthritis, and how can it affect posture?
Arthritis is a condition where the joints become inflamed and painful. Caused by a reduction in cartilage Arthritis can affect posture by causing joint stiffness and pain, leading to compensation patterns that may result in an altered posture.
What is spinal stenosis, and how can it affect posture?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Can be born with or developed. This can affect posture by causing pain, weakness, and changes in gait or posture.
What is ankylosing spondylitis, and how can it affect posture?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and other joints. It can affect posture by causing stiffness, pain, and a forward stooped posture.
What is spondylolisthesis, and how can it affect posture?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips out of place and onto the vertebra below it. This can affect posture by causing pain, weakness, and changes in gait or posture.
What are two different types of arthritis
- Oesteoarthiritis - caused by normal wear and tear, join infection or injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune disorder (attacks tissues). Attacks synovium; a soft tissue in joints that produces fluid that nourishes cartilage and lubricates joints
