The natural shape of the spine is not straight despite the popular belief of having a straight back. The curves can be seen when looking at a spine from the side. When looking from the front or the back however, the spine should be straight with no curves. An unnaturally curved spine from the front or the back is known as scoliosis.
There are 4 natural curves in the body, 2 that you’re born with and 2 that you develop as you age. The 2 curves you’re born with are in your thoracic spine, or the upper and mid back, and in the sacrum, which some people call the tail bone. The cervical or neck curve develops as an infant learns how to lift its head and the lumbar or lower back curve develops as a child learns how to walk.
It is very important to maintain the proper curves in your back because these curves control the normal biomechanics of your movements. Failure to maintain correct curvature or posture commonly results in muscle pain or spasms and irregular movements. If poor posture is maintained for extended periods of time, conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and herniated discs/disc bulges can develop just to name a few. Also since irregular posture creates subluxations, it is possible and even common for these posture imbalances to cause dysfunctions in your organs.
Many health care practitioners are able to assess your posture. Sometimes even your friends and family can do it (can’t your hear your mom now telling you not to slouch?)! If you are not sure where to go, seeing a chiropractor is an excellent way to have your spine and posture checked out. Not only can they treat your poor posture, but they can give you exercises to help prevent your poor posture from returning.
Related Articles:
What is Good Posture?
How Poor Posture Affects your Health
What is Scoliosis?
