Postural & Spinal Screening

Good posture is key to preventing back and muscular pain and helps your muscles work more efficiently so you can avoid fatigue and low energy. But poor posture can put excess strain on your postural muscles and spine, and cause headaches, pain, arthritis, and many other health conditions. Spinal screening allows your chiropractor to evaluate your spinal joints and surrounding muscles so they can work with you on correcting posture and treating underlying causes leading to poor posture.

During a spinal and postural screening, your chiropractor will instruct you to perform a series of basic movements such as raising your arms above your head and attempting one pushup. These small tests allow your chiropractor to assess your skeletal structure and the functioning of your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Your chiropractor will also assess your spine alignment, stress points, a range of motion, and other problems that may be affecting your posture.

Daily lifestyle factors that can throw your spine out of alignment and affect your posture include excess weight, pregnancy, injury, and illness. Aging can also lead to poor posture since the spine tends to lose some of its strength and resilience as you become older. Having abnormally tight muscles due to stress or strain, or having weak postural muscles are also factors that contribute to poor posture.

Did you know?

Poor posture can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, uterine cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer due to the way poor spinal alignment can affect your blood flow and organ health. Correcting your posture with help from a chiropractor may significantly reduce your risk for these life-threatening health conditions.

People who demonstrate poor posture often appear between three and five pounds heavier than people of the same weight who have good posture. Having good posture can make you look younger, thinner, and taller, and cause others to view you as more confident and attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Screening

What are the most common health conditions linked to poor posture?

Pinched nerves, a herniated disc, chronic headaches, muscle strain, and pain in the neck, back, and shoulder tend to be the most common health conditions associated with poor posture.

What are some long-term effects of poor posture?

Those who demonstrate poor posture are often likely to experience problems with digestion, bowel function, breathing, and muscles, and may feel fatigued to the point they are unable to move properly.

How do I maintain good posture if I sit for long periods of time?

Aim to stand up and stretch at least once per hour to maintain proper posture if you sit for long periods of time at work or at home. When standing, look up and raise your arms above your head as though you are reaching for the ceiling. Breathe deeply and focus on lengthening your spine from your lower back all the way to your fingertips.

What are the common signs and symptoms of poor posture?

Rounding of the upper back and shoulders, a forward-tilting head, and arching of the lower back are common signs of poor posture. Headaches, muscle fatigue, back pain, and body aches and pains are common symptoms of poor posture. Spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques can help you achieve good posture and reduce pain and other symptoms.