The Poor Posture Series Part 3: Hunchback Posture

This is the last of our Living Health Integrative Medicine three part series on posture. There is more to posture than looking refined and confident (even though that doesn’t hurt). Click here to view our past blog post on forward head posture. The third posture to worry about is hyperkyphosis or hunch back.

What really is hunch back? “Hunch back” is an increased curvature of the thoracic spine. It is most common in the elderly population and is also associated with a forward head posture.

The two things to worry about:

Increased risk of a spinal fracture. This is due to increased pressure being put on the vertebral bodies. These fractures can happen with no trauma necessary and lead to severe pain in the mid back.
Breathing difficulties. This is because the poor posture has provided less space in the chest for the lungs to contract and expand.
What we can do to help:

Conduct a thorough chiropractic evaluation. This includes a postural assessment. If necessary, x-rays may be recommended to truly see how the spine is aligned.
Present every patient with an individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan will consist of postural exercises, adjustments, and traction (if necessary) all designed to improve and reverse the abnormal posture and spinal alignment. Patients are taught specifically how their posture is misaligned and are also sent home with exercises to reverse the posture.
Next time you’re looking in the mirror, look at your posture. Do you shift from one side to another? Does your head seem to be farther forward than it should? Are you experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above? If so, call our office immediately for an evaluation and postural assessment.