The Power of Posture
According to Grey Cook of Functional Movement Solutions at the 2007 National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Mid Atlantic Regional Clinic, “research has shown that people with the least amount of back pain have the weakest low back muscles and people with the most back pain have the strongest low back muscles.” With most muscle groups, we gain strength by flexion and extension through weight bearing movements (e.g. the biceps with dumbbell curls). The low back muscles cannot be trained this way due to the incredible amount of stress this puts on the lumbar vertebrate (lower spine). In our postural movements we perform ranges of motion while keeping the shoulder blades squeezed back and performing the movement with an over-exaggerated posture. This teaches and trains the low back to transfer the energy and stress to other parts of the body such as the glutes, hamstrings, and upper back muscles. Proper posture and/or body alignment takes energy away from the movement, as the body was designed to have most stress placed in the muscles and away from the joints (Cook, 2003). This relieves the lumbar vertebrate from stress and therefore promotes less of a risk for back pain.
Good posture is also the key to shoulder stability. When someone has their shoulders slumped forward all day, this results in the shoulder joint being out of place and highly stressed at all times, which can result in head, neck, and shoulder pain (Griegel-Morris, et al, 1992). It is, therefore, easy to comprehend that many shoulder injuries are often caused due to poor posture on a daily basis (e.g. someone may walk around with their shoulders forward all day and then go out and swing a tennis racket, resulting in a shoulder injury and they blame the swinging of the racket when it was actually due to walking around with poor posture and putting stress on the shoulder joint over a prolonged period of time).
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more.. -
Teri Cochrane
Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
read more.. -
Dr. Rav Ivker
Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
read more.. -
Susan Levin
Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
read more.. -
Dr. Rob Brown
Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
read more..