Dr. Fred DiDomenico, Guest Writer for The 100 Year Lifestyle
Did you know that your posture can determine your core strength and stability, how fast you age and the level of health you attain now and over the course of your life? It’s a fact!
Your spine is the structural support system of your body. How it supports you can be seen in your posture, which reveals weaknesses that can progressively worsen under the stresses of daily life as you age. Because your structure, spine and nervous system are the lifeline of health and energy to all the vital organs of your body, it is important to pay attention to your posture before severe health problems arise.
Postural distortions may look very slight on the outside, yet they can cause rapid degeneration of your metabolism and immune system on the inside. Both systems are crucial for your overall health and vitality. Falls, car accidents, sports trauma and even the birth process can accelerate degeneration of the spine, lead to disability, and is a known cause of morbidity. People that have spinal injuries such as vertebral subluxation, which can cause degenerative changes and nerve interference, may not function as well in everyday life and may not enjoy the same quality of life as people with a healthy structure, spine, and nervous system.
For decades, research has shown that postural and structural weakness can cause the body to experience chronic or disabling pain, a weakened immune system, lower energy, fatigue, digestive difficulties, less satisfaction with personal relationships, and a shortened life span. In fact, as early as 1957, Dr. Freeman published findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association stating, “Aging in the spinal discs caused postural deviations leading to intestinal diverticula, hemorrhoids, varicosities of the legs, osteoporosis, hip and foot deformities, overall poor quality of health and life, as well as a shortened life span.” (1)
Attention to the spinal structure and its relation to overall health is far more common in other cultures where life expectancy is higher. Fortunately, this research is now becoming public knowledge and more valued in the western world.
The research was confirmed again in a 2005 study that showed, “abnormal trunk deformity (posture) groups tended to score lower than the normal group with regard to subjective healthiness and life satisfaction measures, including subjective health condition, every day feeling, satisfaction with human relationship, satisfaction with economic condition and satisfaction with present life.”(2)
People with postural problems tend to be more depressed than others, experience chronic pain, may have more issues with relationships and may even earn lower incomes. Postural distortions and a weaker spinal structure can have a major effect on a person’s overall strength and health, which can even have an effect on their earning potential. These distortions can cause accelerated aging and may make you feel older than your chronological age because there is interference in the life-giving nerve supply to your organs.
A simple Posture Self Test can determine if you or a loved one, children included, have underlying conditions that can lead to chronic pain, disability and accelerated aging. A chiropractic examination and care can help find and correct the cause. Make your posture a priority and enjoy the good health and happiness that comes with living The 100 Year Lifestyle.
References:
(1) Freeman JT; “Posture in the Aging and Aged Body.” JAMA 1957; 165(7)
(2) Takahashi T. Osteoporosis Int. 2005; 16 273-279
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This article is provided by Ocean LightForce Chiropractic your 100 Year Lifestyle Affiliate Chiropractor in Virginia Beach VA