subject: A Guide To Recognising Your Own Posture Type [print this page] There are four basic trends of spinal postureThere are four basic trends of spinal posture.
The ideal posture is the most efficient and gives the least problems. The curves are gentle from the side view (sagittal) and straight from behind (frontal).
The Kypho-Lordotic shows exaggerated curves in all parts of the spine, with a forward poking chin. These often give rise to problems with the small facet joints at the back of the spine, caused by the decreased space between them. The pelvis appears to be tilted forwards.
The Flatback posture shows a flattened lumbar spine and again the head is held forwards of the central plumb line. The flattened lumbar spine will put pressure towards the front of its vertebral discs and this can give rise to injury to them. The pelvis appears tilted backwards and often the knees lock backwards.
The Swayback posture leans backwards but their pelvis can be either slid forwards or tucked in underneath so the lumbar spine can be either arched or flat. But the upper spine tends to be too flexed, often giving problems in the shoulder blade area.
Posture is not normally fixed and can be improved with exercises and a little dedication. Training to correct posture can improve sports performance, prevent injury and reduce existing pain.
Exercises and training for the posture can increase strength and flexibility giving the sports person greater control speed and performance.
For any individual training will improve muscle condition and general fitness.
Working on posture can speed up recovery from injury and even improve functioning of internal organs.
In a preventative sense recognizing your own posture and engaging in a training or exercise regime can prevent painful conditions such as Osgood Schlatter and Severs Disease.
Both of the these conditions are treatable but can be very painful and require significant treatment including physiotherapy, plus rest from the sport in order to recover.
