Back Talk: Why Posture Is Important

KARL SCHWARTZ, D.C.

s a chiropractor, I observe people’s posture all day long, even when I am out in public. Why? Because our posture is the window to our spines. A If the spine is straight from front to back, then we have a spine and spinal movement that is operating under peak efficiency. Your spine is like a house. If you have a level foundation, then the structure on it has the opportunity to be plumb, or vertical, to the foundation, which in physics is a strong structure. As humans, we are the only mammals that stand on two feet; therefore, our biomechanics (how our bodies are formed and move) versus the effects of gravity is extremely important. Here are a few examples showing how this can affect you.

Let’s say you are a someone who likes to get out in the garden. How well your spine can withstand stress depends on your spine’s alignment. Lifting, bending, twisting, squatting are all movements directly related to your spine. If your spine is in good alignment, it can withstand a lot more stress without “breaking,” or sustaining injury. If your spine is aligned and well maintained, you are less likely to injure yourself.

Let’s say you are an adolescent. Your spinal bones, muscles, and ligaments are still growing and adapting. If your spine is aligned as you grow and your body matures, you will have developed a spine and structure that is maximized for health and movement. This is why scoliosis screenings are performed in this age group. The earlier scoliosis is detected, the better it can be treated and hopefully minimized. Also, better spinal alignment allows for better nerve function, and complex adaptive movements can be learned and integrated better.

For one final example, let’s say you are a high school athlete, with maximal stress on your body, performing quick movements with some agility and some with strength. A spine that is aligned is better prepared to perform and avoid injury. In sports, avoiding injury is the best practice, and this is best achieved with better alignment of your spine A badly aligned spine can result in injury, which can lead to significant down-time from competition, which in turn can negatively impact your team and your coach.

When the spine is aligned, there is better connection between the brain and your body functions (organ function and tissue function, along with muscles, disks, and ligaments). Whether you are a child who is growing, a teen who is competing, or an adult who is working or playing in the garden, we all want to avoid injury. That starts with a well-aligned spine. Not to forget, we all want to be the best we can be, which is supported by your brain’s connection to your body and organs. When do you want this to happen for you?

DR. KARL SCHWARTZ is a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia; he has been practicing chiropractic in Tucker for twenty-one years and a resident here for fifteen years. His office specializes in preventing sports injuries and maximizing performance by analyzing posture, weight bearing, and gait. If you have a question you would like addressed in a future column, please email karlschwartzdc@gmail.com. Note “Back Talk” in the subject line.