Posture
Kyphosis, more common, need of early detection
Kyphosis (slouching bending) , abnormally increased convexity in the curvature of the spine as viewed from the sided, attracts far less attention than scoliosis (sideway bending) as viewed from the front/back perhaps because we normally examine the spine from behind. It is more noticeable when a tree leans sideway than when it is falling away from us. Although less discussed, kyphosis is much more common than scoliosis and is more likely to cause spinal problems. Although kyphosis generally applies to the thoracic (upper back) spine, loss of the normal lumbar (low back) and mid cervical (neck) lordosis (S-curve) also means the forward bending (kyphosis) of the lumbar and cervical spine. In other words, the very common descriptions we use such as forward head posture, prominent cervical/thoracic junction, dowayer's hump, back slouching posture and loss of lumbar lordosis are all describing the kyphosis of the spine. It is not difficult to find such kyphosis of the whole spine in many activities of daily living such as sitting, standing and bending.
Most people regard slouching as relaxing. Working in front of the computer all day is tiring enough. Relaxing in a soft lounge chair feels so great that no one would care about how such continuation of kyphosis could further damage the spine. Muscles complain and get tire very quickly. It is only natural to stop using such tiring muscles. Since the normal lordotic/kyphotic curvature of the spine in erect is maintained by muscles, the unsupported spine would bend forward, putting extra tension to posterior (back) ligaments/joints and pressure to anterior (front) structures such as the vertebral body and the disc. Initial minor aches and pain may only be warning signs of such poor postures and are classified as postural syndrome. Symptoms could still be alleviated easily if patients follow instructions on their postural, mobility, stretching, strengthening and sporting exercises and to correct their postures. Unfortunately, such warning signals are seldom recognized and are allowed to persist often for years. Some may consider themselves lucky never to have pain but not knowing that they could be sacrificing their spinal alignment and mobility. Spinal degenerative changes could also be accelerated. I suggest early detection of kyphosis to prevent worsening of minor symptoms. Otherwise, chronic irritating symptoms may persist and the problem may develop into irreversible painful and disabling conditions!
Luck LI
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Most people regard slouching as relaxing. Working in front of the computer all day is tiring enough. Relaxing in a soft lounge chair feels so great that no one would care about how such continuation of kyphosis could further damage the spine. Muscles complain and get tire very quickly. It is only natural to stop using such tiring muscles. Since the normal lordotic/kyphotic curvature of the spine in erect is maintained by muscles, the unsupported spine would bend forward, putting extra tension to posterior (back) ligaments/joints and pressure to anterior (front) structures such as the vertebral body and the disc. Initial minor aches and pain may only be warning signs of such poor postures and are classified as postural syndrome. Symptoms could still be alleviated easily if patients follow instructions on their postural, mobility, stretching, strengthening and sporting exercises and to correct their postures. Unfortunately, such warning signals are seldom recognized and are allowed to persist often for years. Some may consider themselves lucky never to have pain but not knowing that they could be sacrificing their spinal alignment and mobility. Spinal degenerative changes could also be accelerated. I suggest early detection of kyphosis to prevent worsening of minor symptoms. Otherwise, chronic irritating symptoms may persist and the problem may develop into irreversible painful and disabling conditions!
Luck LI
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist