DAILY HABITS CONTRIBUTE TO SPINAL CURVATURES AND SHRINKAGE

Written by thedoc on March 21, 2011 in Uncategorized

Vol. 7 Issue 94

Excessive curvature and shrinkage of the upper spine can result in a deformity among the elderly known as “Dowager’s Hump” — a condition which causes severe pain and restricted movement.

Some people mistakenly believe this “shrinking” and “hunching-over” is a natural part of aging, but according to a report published in the journal Spine, these conditions may be prevented.

Researchers found that poor posture and low bone density increase the risk of excessive spine curvature.

In people with low bone mineral density and poor posture, spinal deformities developed — including spinal fracture in the upper back, increases in abnormal curvatures, and reductions in height.

Based on models of elderly individuals, spinal deformities resulted in a 25% reduction in spinal height, and a 9% decrease in total body height.

Researchers noted that the cause of excessive curvatures of the spine or shrinkage is not always the result of traumatic wear and tear; rather, the stresses of normal everyday living.

Postural stress affects millions of Americans, as 10 million people in the U.S. have Osteoporosis, many of which, have poor posture.

Take steps to prevent the development of spinal curvature and shrinkage by exercising your back and torso, consuming an adequate amount of calcium, and maintaining an upright posture.

Source: Spine, 2003:28(5), pp. 455-462.

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1 Response to "DAILY HABITS CONTRIBUTE TO SPINAL CURVATURES AND SHRINKAGE"

Dave

July 26, 2011

Great article! It’s sad how most folks don’t pay attention to posture until it’s just plain outright obviously bad. Bad posture results in bad health and like you pointed out, PREVENTION is important. Waiting until you have a fracture or pain to assess your posture or do anything about your spine health is downright silly.

Here’s some more evidence based literature in support of spine care…Researchers have established the link between a bad spine and poor health. Specifically, the shape of your neck has control over the function of your nerve system. Researchers have proven that a loss of the normal neck curve results in “demyelination of nerve fibers”. Demyelination causes impairment in sensation, movement, and cognition, depending on which nerves are involved. Demyelination is not good!

Reference:

Kentaro S, Masaya N, Yuji N, et al. Spinal kyphosis causes demyelination and neuronal loss in the spinal cord: A new model of kyphotic deformity. Spine. Vol 30 (21), Nov 1, 2005; pp 2388-2392.

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