Correct posture maintains the natural curves of the spine and places minimal stress on joints, while faulty posture increases stress and can lead to muscle imbalances and circulatory issues. Factors that can influence posture include growth spurts, muscle imbalances, habits, structural anomalies, and trauma or disease. The spine has primary curves in the thoracic and sacral regions and secondary curves in the cervical and lumbar regions. Deviations from normal spinal curves can cause muscle imbalances. Maintaining proper spinal alignment from the front and side views is important for functional symmetry during activity with low joint stress. Identifying postural problems allows for corrective exercises, increased activity, muscle strengthening, and screening for other health issues.

1. Magnus Lobo, MS, ATC, CES, CPT

2.  Posture is a position of greatest efficiency, around your center of
gravity, with muscles on all sides exerting pull equally.

3.  Correct posture
 “Position in which minimum stress is placed on each joint.” (Magee)
 Maintains the natural curves of the body
 Proper circulation
 Flow of energy and nutrients
 Faulty posture
 Any position that increases stress on joints
 Creates muscle imbalances, ligamentous tension, circulatory occlusion

4.  Growth Spurts
 Muscle imbalances
 Habits
 During activity
 Structural factors
 Congenital anomalies
 Development problems
 Trauma
 Disease

5.  Primary Curves
 Thoracic Spine
 Sacrum
 Secondary curves
 Cervical spine
 Lumbar spine

6.  Normally some curve
 Shoulders unleveled
 Scapula uneven
 Creates muscle imbalances
 Can occur in Thoracic or
lumbar spine

7.  Spinal Alignment
 Sagittal (Front)
 Body Positioning
 Head and neck
 Shoulder Height
 Umbilicus (Navel)
 Knees

8.  Spinal Alignment
Frontal (Side)
 Body Positioning
 Head
 Shoulders
 Hips
 Knees
 Ankles

9.  Functional symmetry
 During activity
 Equal movement of both arms and legs
 No muscle compensation
 Proper activation of musculature
 Low stress on joints

10.  Find the problem
 Corrective Exercises
 Increase activity
 Strengthen muscles
 Get a health screen

12.  Strengthen the muscles in the back
 Stretch the muscles in the front
 Proper sleeping postures
 Establish a routine for exercises
 2-3 times per day