Currently, Spine Re-New, the postural correction and spinal rejuvenation center, is one of the few offices in the world that offer the complete Pettibon System™.
What Happens When Our Posture and Alignment are "Off"?
National healthcare statistics report that 65 million of us have neck and back pain, as well as other symptoms related to the spine and nerve system, making these symptoms the number two reason for doctor visits behind respiratory conditions. What's happening?
Consider this fact: sitting increases spinal stress by 35% compared to standing and 50% compared to lying down. Now think about the lives that we lead: sitting for hours in cars and public transportation, working at a computer, watching TV, talking on the phone. Many of us walk daily on concrete (some even in high heels) carrying heavy bags or backpacks. If we add in possibly being above our ideal weight, at less than optimal nourishment and fitness, and concerned about world issues, work, and our personal lives, we begin to grasp the reality that spinal and neck stressors are built into daily life, even in leisure and stationary activity. All of these stressors directly affect the spine and, left uncorrected, become reflected in our posture.
Injury is another common reason for neck and spine pain, along with other symptoms. These types of health concerns have many origins: sports related injuries in our youth, accidents, and daily life challenges. But regardless of the cause: A misaligned and unbalanced spine lacks natural shockabsorbing curves and progressively becomes twisted. Spinal misalignment compromises our ability to adapt to daily stresses. Muscles spasm. Ligaments are stretched and can tear. Vertebra misalign. Discs can herniate (bulge), putting pressure on nearby nerves resulting in pain, dysfunction and other symptoms. We're no longer strong enough to work in harmony with gravity. Our overall health and posture deteriorate.
EXTREME FORWARD HEAD POSTURE!
Even a young person can have an “old” person’s posture. (left figure) The figures in the center and at right demonstrate postural deficiencies of the head, shoulders, hips and knees.
OPTIMAL POSTURE ANDTHE ANATOMY OF A HEALTHY SPINE
The human spine is an amazing biomechanical masterpiece. Muscles provide strength and movement. Discs absorb shock. Ligaments connect and secure the vertebrae. Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and support the body’s weight. What does good posture look like? The heights of the shoulders, hips and knees are equal and you hold your head level. From a side view, we can easily draw a straight, vertical line from the exact center of your head through your shoulder, hip and knee to your ankle. When your spine is in proper position and moving naturally, there is a gentle forward curve in the neck (cervical curve), a slight backward curve in the upper back (thoracic curve) and a gentle forward curve in the low back (lumbar curve). These curves are absolutely essential to optimize our ability to move fluidlyand adapt to stressors.
OPTIMAL POSTURE
With optimal posture, we are aligned and in balance, breathing easier, and able to do more with less effort while feeling great.