POSTURE-SCOLIOSIS

Poor posture can cause back problems but back problems can also cause poor posture. It is important to determine the cause of your problem. Some causes of poor posture can be excessive weight, foot problems (fallen arches, inverted ankles), improper nutrition, muscle weakness or imbalance, poor sleep support, occupational stress, injuries to the soft tissue, birth defects, pathological diseases and let's not forget bad habits while sitting, walking or sleeping.

The most common cause of poor posture is pain or discomfort. If it hurts to sit or stand straight, then a person will move away from the pain into a more comfortable position. The longer this persists, the worse the condition becomes until there is no getting away from the discomfort. Scoliosis, in and of itself, will cause the spine to curve abnormally.

The prudent thing to do is to have such a condition evaluated as soon as possible. If you or anyone in your family has what appears to be a postural problem, Dr. Talmadge is experienced in determining whether a condition may exist that may be at the root of the problem.

You can perform a self examination that may help you determine if a spinal problem may be the cause:

1. Look at yourself in a mirror; shoulders, hips, knees and hands should all be level. If they are not, this usually indicates a moderately severe side to side postural deformity.

2. Stand with your back to a wall, placing your head, shoulder blades, calves and heels against the wall; hands at your side. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing your buttocks back against the wall. If the space at the back of your waist is less than or greater than the thickness of your hand, your posture is not correct.