How Chiropractic and Posture Exercise Work Together

(Story submitted to NorthIowaToday.com by Dr. Bob Friedrichs, a Mason City Chiropractor)

All synovial and secondary cartilaginous joints, to some extent are capable of an active range of motion, termed voluntary movement. In addition, there is a small range of movement that can be obtained only passively by the examiner called joint play or accessory movement. These movements are necessary for full, painless range of motion. Chiropractors treat hypomobile joints with manipulation otherwise referred to as an adjustment.

Current theories of joint dysfunction that result in joint hypomobility include micro trauma from posture and lifestyle. Creep is the displacement in amplitude or length of collagenous structures over a prolonged period of time when a force is applied. The two most common causes of Creep are anterior head carriage and obesity.

Improving posture means strengthening how you balance your body and reducing mechanical stress on your body. Poor posture stresses muscles and joints to make you look and feel old because it is biomechanically ineffective.

Posture and motion not only affect how long you live, but also how well you live. Postural and biomechanically related back problems are the number three reason for all doctor visits (the common cold and other respiratory infections are number one and two).

Utilizing postural strengthening exercises that are based on modern biomechanical concepts blended with ancient yoga practices can become an intelligent life habit for aging well. Becoming more conscious of your posture and developing exercises to strengthen your posture and balance becomes a goal that can be accomplished without any expensive equipment. A flat wall is necessary as a reference for erect posture, and then adding inexpensive, low tech tools to reinforce change like exercise balls. Learning how to sit, stand, and move more intelligently along with chiropractic adjustments will help you feel good today and stay active as you age.