Chiropractic Adjustments and improving Posture in Toronto
As a Chiropractor in Toronto, Dr. Krekora works with many people who want to improve their posture. Some common reasons to improve posture include the aesthetic appeal (slouching doesn’t look good), the desire to sit more comfortably at the desk (slouching doesn’t feel good) and to simply get out of pain (i.e. holding forward head postures and slouching often are associated with pain). Many of these patients have tried various posture correcting exercises and devices but to no avail, had minimal progress with their overall posture. Once these people started working with Dr. Krekora, we often discover the missing piece to the puzzle were adjustments to fix posture.
Research on Spinal dysfunction and Postural Control
Research shows that chiropractic care can help improve spinal function (1). Spinal dysfunction happens when a joint is misaligned or not moving properly. This can affect the feedback the brain receives from that part of the spine, which is important for posture and body awareness (called proprioception). Studies show that spinal dysfunction can make it harder to control posture, especially in conditions like chronic neck pain and whiplash. In simple terms, if the neck joints aren’t moving properly, it’s harder for the brain to control the neck muscles and keep the head in a good position. This phenomenon can make it harder to reduce your forward head posture for example.
Chiropractic adjustment effects on spinal function
Research shows that a chiropractic adjustment to a misaligned spinal joint helps the brain process sensory information coming from the spine more normally (1, 2). In other words, when a spinal joint is out of place, it can mess with how the brain receives information from the spine. A chiropractic adjustment can fix that, helping the brain understand that information better. So if the brain can process information around the spine better, it can be beneficial with improving spine position (proprioception) needed for better posture.
Why adjustments make a difference in improving your posture?
If the underlying problem behind your poor posture is your spine, chiropractic adjustments can help restore your spinal health. One benefit of improved spinal function is better body awareness. From my experience, if spinal problems aren’t fixed, people often have trouble noticing bad posture and find it hard to maintain good posture for long periods. However, people who correct spinal issues can make lasting improvements in their posture.
Other ways Chiropractic adjustments help with Posture?
There are some other amazing effects after an adjustment that can make it easier to adopt a better posture and maintain it long term!
- Aligning the Spine:
- Misalignments in the spine, especially in the neck and lower back, can lead to poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments, allowing the spine to return to a more natural and upright position.
2. Improving Joint Mobility:
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- Restricted or stiff joints in the spine and pelvis can affect your overall range of motion and contribute to poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments restore joint movement in the areas so your spine does not hold you back from great posture.
3. Muscle Balance and Relaxation:
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- When the spine is misaligned or joints are not moving properly, it can cause muscle tension and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments can decrease muscle tension in key areas affecting your posture.
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What does Dr. Krekora do to support Posture correction
- Case Review and NeuroStructural examination:
At Dr. Krekora Chiropractic, we offer a complimentary Case Review to discuss body issues and lifestyle factors that may be affecting your posture. After we conduct an NeuroStructural examination that includes Biostructural photos (to visualize and measure postural changes), muscle activation testing (find any muscle imbalance related to posture) and other testing to assess spine health (misalignments, range of motion)
2. Personalized Treatment Plans:
Dr. Krekora will create a personalized Chiropractic care plan to address the underlying problems behind your posture problems and meet your unique posture correction goals. This plan may include Chiropractic adjustments, NeuroFunctional Acupuncture, Postural education and Posture correcting exercises.
Book your complimentary case review now if you are tired of your spine holding you back from great posture!
References:
1. Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2012 Oct 1;22(5):768-76.
2. Taylor HH, Holt K, Murphy B. Exploring the neuromodulatory effects of the vertebral subluxation and chiropractic care. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. 2010 Mar 1;40(1):37-44.