A Simple Guide to Posture Disorders, Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Posture Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases which is seen in some of my patients in my Family Clinic

Last week I was resting on a deckchair on a cruise ship observing the posture of the people walking past me and those seated in the deck chairs around me.

The most common posture is the Slouch or Forward Head Posture when the person is walking or sitting.

The postures in some persons also acted as a defensive barrier against another person.

Posture disorders refer to abnormalities in the alignment of the body that can lead to discomfort, pain, and other health issues.

Forward Head Posture (FHP)

The head is positioned forward of the body's midline, placing strain on the neck and upper back.
Prolonged use of electronic devices, poor ergonomic setups, weak neck muscles.
Neck pain, shoulder tension, headaches, rounded shoulders.

Kyphosis

Excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, resulting in a rounded upper back.
Poor posture, degenerative diseases (e.g., osteoporosis), congenital malformations, Scheuermann's disease.
Rounded shoulders, back pain, stiffness, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.

Lordosis

Excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine, often referred to as swayback.
Obesity, pregnancy, weak core muscles, spondylolisthesis, certain hip disorders.
Pronounced curve in the lower back, back pain, discomfort during movement.

Scoliosis

Lateral curvature of the spine, forming an S- or C-shaped curve.
Idiopathic (unknown cause), congenital spinal deformities, neuromuscular conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy).
Uneven shoulders or hips, one shoulder blade more prominent, back pain, asymmetrical waist.

Flat Back Syndrome

A condition where the natural lumbar curve is lost, leading to a flat lower back.
Degenerative disc disease, spinal surgery, poor posture.
Difficulty standing upright, back and leg pain, fatigue.

Swayback

The pelvis is tilted forward, causing an exaggerated curve in the lower back and a backward lean in the upper body.
Weak core muscles, prolonged sitting, poor posture habits.
Lower back pain, pronounced buttocks, protruding abdomen.

Rounded Shoulders

The shoulders are positioned forward of the body's midline.
Muscle imbalances, prolonged sitting, poor posture habits.
Shoulder and upper back pain, restricted shoulder movement.

Prevention and Management

Ensuring proper setup of workspaces, including desks, chairs, and computer screens, to promote good posture.

Strengthening core and back muscles, maintaining flexibility, and incorporating posture-correcting exercises.

Learning and maintaining good posture habits, possibly with the help of physical therapy or posture training devices.

Maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

In cases of severe posture disorders, seeking medical advice for possible treatments such as bracing or surgery.

Posture disorders can significantly impact a person's quality of life, but with proper management and early intervention, many of the associated symptoms and complications can be relieved.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Posture Disorders
Chapter 2 Cause
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Slouching Posture
Chapter 8 Kyphosis
Epilogue