Parents have traditionally thought that saying "sit up straight" should be enough. There is no doubt that good posture is important, but it won’t help if there is an underlying problem. Slouching is often a tell-tale indication that something may be wrong, particularly in adolescents who are in periods of rapid physical growth. It can be an unconscious postural compensation for spinal imbalance or a lack of normal spinal joint movement.
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Poor posture can be the result of problems in the lumbar spine, pelvis or the sacroiliac joint at the base of the spine, or it can reflect a dysfunction of the lower limbs, forcing the body into a compensating posture. As a result, the child or teenager will unconsciously slouch or take on some exaggerated posture which gives relief. Many people don’t even realize they’re doing it, but often after spinal correction they find that they are standing straighter without having to think about it.
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Soft furniture such as couches and easy chairs are particularly deceptive for people with such problems. They may feel comfortable but may be contributing to the underlying problems.
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Many postural problems can be treated with a combination of chiropractic manipulation and exercise. If you are constantly reminding your child - or yourself - to "straighten up," check with your chiropractor to find out if there are underlying problems which need to be corrected, and discuss an exercise programe to help reverse old habits.
Slouching Can Be A Sign
When a teenager slumps in his or her chair at the supper table it might not be just another sign of bored adolescence, and telling them to "sit up straight" might not be enough. Slouching can be a sign that the body is trying to compensate for often unseen and unsuspected musculo-skeletal problems.