What are some of the most common posture problems?

Common Posture Problems

There are two types of posture: static posture and dynamic posture.  

Static posture is the alignment of your body while you are still.  Static posture refers to the length-tension relationship of your muscles and the corresponding alignment of your joints.  The length of your muscle and how much tension or force it can exert.   When everything is in correct alignment and when the muscle is at its maximum length then it can exert the most tension or force. Most people first notice posture problems when someone or themselves is in static posture.

Dynamic posture is the alignment of your body during movement.  Poor dynamic posture can influence static posture and vice versa.  Many exercises are repetitive movements; it is important to keep your dynamic posture or form in mind.  With poor dynamic posture, especially while exercising, the wrong or additional muscles will be recruited building your body disproportionately.

Static posture is what most of us probably think of when someone mentions posture.  

Any imbalanced length-tension relationships or improper dynamic posture during movement can result in a tug of war between muscles.  This can result in premature aging of the joints and possible muscle, joint, tendon and ligament injuries.  These muscles imbalances are called postural distortion patterns.

Causes of common posture problems:

Muscle imbalances due to a sedentary lifestyle are a primary cause of posture problems.

The Cumulative Injury Cycle illustrates how muscle imbalances start.  There is some sort of tissue (muscle) trauma.  This can result from repetitive motions with poor dynamic form or poor static posture.  The trauma then causes inflammation, which causes the muscle to spasm and develop knots or adhesions. (Knots are sections within the muscles of the body that are constricted and create consistent pain. ) These knots in the muscles decrease the functionality of the muscles which your brain cannot control properly.  The inability of the nervous system to maintain proper postural alignment causes muscle imbalances.   If the muscle imbalances are not corrected, the cycle will repeat over and over again getting progressively worse.

Professionals from different areas will give different reasons as to why your posture is poor.  A chiropractor may say that your spine is out of alignment and that causes posture problems.  A podiatrist may tell you your whole body is out of alignment because of poorly fitting shoes or flat feet.  A psychologist may tell you that your poor posture is due to depression.

The bones in your skeleton are held together by ligaments and tendons attach muscles to bones.  Depending on how long or short a muscle is, the bones in your skeleton and as a result your posture will be effected.  You don’t have to be a professional to see that muscle imbalances are the most likely cause of posture problems.

In the issues to come we’ll have a look at common muscle imbalances, muscle imbalances and the sexes and how to detect and prevent posture problems due to muscle imbalances.