Posture's Growing Impact: From Longevity to Brain Health

04/01/25 • 11 min

Posture is experiencing a surge in interest within healthcare, not just for its long-recognized role in musculoskeletal health but also for its potential links to longevity and even cognitive brain function. While researchers explore these connections, clinicians are witnessing the detrimental effects of poor posture on pain, degeneration, and movement. Posture, our body's way of maintaining balance, is largely an automatic process influenced by various factors, with ideal posture requiring minimal energy and proper spinal alignment.

Poor posture often stems from sedentary lifestyles and the repetitive positions adopted when using electronic devices. Interestingly, common aids like braces and reminders often fail because posture is a subconscious activity. The article highlights the critical role of the feet as our primary interface with the ground, providing essential sensory information that influences postural muscles. Asymmetrical foundations in the feet, common in most people, can lead to compensatory muscle recruitment and inefficient movement patterns. Custom orthotics can address these imbalances, stimulating foot receptors to improve muscle activation and create a neurological basis for better posture and gait. Without this foundation, exercises may be less effective. The article suggests that chiropractors are well-positioned to guide patients towards lasting, neurologically-driven improvements in posture.

Previous Episode

When to Consider Orthotics: Research-Based Recommendations

Foot orthotics may be necessary when patients experience back problems worsened by activity, recurrent ankle sprains, or have a family history of foot issues. Athletes with lower extremity stress fractures, shin splints, or hamstring strains might also benefit. Examination findings like postural imbalances, gait asymmetry, or foot deformities can indicate a need for orthotics. X-ray findings, such as scoliosis or uneven sacral base, and a lack of response to conservative treatments are additional signs. Ultimately, orthotics can improve biomechanics, reduce stress on joints, and support musculoskeletal health. They can be especially helpful for recreationally active and elderly patients.

Full article:
https://dynamicchiropractic.com/article/55064-when-to-consider-orthotics-research-based-recommendations

Have feedback on this episode?

Leave a voicemail

Next Episode

More China Is Broken in Health Care by Trump Administration

The Trump administration's new appointments at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are generating significant interest, particularly for the chiropractic profession. The appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the new NIH Director signals a potential shift in healthcare perspectives. Dr. Bhattacharya, known for co-authoring the controversial Great Barrington Declaration which advocated for focused protection during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also questioned the NIH's funding priorities, suggesting a need to support more "edge science" rather than solely building on established ideas. This new leadership could foster a more favorable environment for chiropractic research funding through the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Care (NCCIHC). The article delves into the NIH's grant approval process and the potential influence of the new director on advisory councils. The author recounts a past experience of attempting to diversify appointments to HHS advisory committees, highlighting the resistance from the scientific community. With these changes, the author suggests that the chiropractic profession should actively pursue consumer appointments on NIH institute councils to broaden their opportunities.