Types of posture disorders
Posture is assessed in two planes. In the lateral projection, there is a stoop with an increased thoracic curve and shoulders drooping forward, a round back, a round-concave back with an increased lumbar deflection and, conversely, a flat back with smoothed curves, which worsens shock absorption. In the frontal plane, they speak of asymmetrical posture when one shoulder and shoulder blade are higher than the other. Asymmetry requires special attention, because it is under this mask that incipient scoliosis, as well as the difference in leg length, can be hidden.
- Slouch and round back
- Round-concave back
- Flat back
- Plano-concave back
- Asymmetrical posture
- Pose with head forward
How is it different from scoliosis?
This is the most common question from parents, and the difference here is fundamental. Poor posture is a functional condition: the vertebrae are not changed, a person can straighten up, and when lying down the back looks straight. Scoliosis is a structural deformity with rotation of the vertebrae around an axis, and it persists in any position. A simple way to check is the forward bend test: the child bends over with his arms hanging down freely, and the doctor or parent looks at his back from behind. If one half of the chest is higher than the other, forming a rib hump, this is a sign of vertebral rotation and a reason to urgently see an orthopedist.
- If posture is poor, the vertebrae are not deformed
- Lying down, your back looks straight
- Scoliosis persists in any position
- Forward bend test reveals rib hump
- X-ray of the spine confirms the diagnosis
Reasons
The main reason for modern children and adults is lifestyle. Sitting at a desk and computer for many hours with your head bowed, a smartphone at knee level, soft furniture, and lack of regular physical activity lead to the fact that some muscles shorten and others weaken. Unsuitable furniture, poor lighting in the workplace, and the habit of carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder contribute to this. In children, a rapid growth spurt, in which the muscles do not keep up with the bones, and a psychological factor also play a role: adolescents often slouch, embarrassed by their height or figure.
- Prolonged sitting and inactivity
- Working with a smartphone with your head tilted
- Weakness of the back and abdominal muscles
- Furniture that is not suitable for height
- Bag or briefcase on one shoulder
- Rapid growth during adolescence
- Poor vision and inconvenient lighting
- Psychological reasons for stooping
What does this threaten?
Poor posture itself rarely causes serious problems in childhood, but the consequences accumulate. Uneven load on the intervertebral discs and joints over time leads to chronic pain in the neck and lower back, tension headaches, and rapid fatigue during static work. A forward head significantly increases the load on the cervical spine. Severe stooping limits the mobility of the chest and the depth of breathing. In addition, habitual posture affects self-esteem and confidence, especially in adolescents.
- Chronic neck and lower back pain
- Tension headaches
- Fatigue
- Overload of intervertebral discs
- Restricted chest mobility
- Impact on a teenager's self-esteem
What to do
Posture is a muscle-supported skill, so corsets and reminders to “don’t slouch” without working the muscles do nothing, and constantly wearing a supportive corset can even weaken your back. Regular physical therapy works: strengthening the muscles of the back, buttocks and abdominals, combined with stretching the pectoral muscles and hip flexors. The organization of the environment is important: a table and chair according to height, a screen at eye level, a backpack with two straps weighing no more than about a tenth of body weight, breaks every 30–40 minutes. Swimming, gymnastics and any active games help better than courses of passive procedures. Massage is a useful addition, but not a replacement for exercise.
- Regular physical therapy 3–5 times a week
- Strengthening the muscles of the back, abs and buttocks
- Stretching the pectoral muscles and hip flexors
- Furniture according to height, screen at eye level
- Backpack with two straps, weight limit
- Breaks and warm-up every 30–40 minutes
- Swimming and active games
- Massage as an addition
- Vision test