Bad Posture Is Either Bad For You or Making Things Worse!

Bad posture is a modern day health epidemic that is much worse than people think. Posture is the window into your spine. The spine has a powerful relationship with the brain, spinal cord, and overall organ function. This intimate connection means that poor posture and spinal health will lead to an overall decrease in brain and organ function.


Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Roger Sperry says that the spine is the motor that drives the brain. According to his research “90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine.” Only 10% of our brain’s energy goes into thinking, metabolism, immunity, and healing. Sperry demonstrated that 90% of brain energy goes into processing and maintaining the body’s relationship with gravity.


One of the worst types of health problems people experience is a loss of the natural curves of their spine. Ideally, we should have a 40-45 degree curve in our neck that many chiropractors and neurosurgeons refer to as “the arc of life.” This curve helps to protect the brain stem and the spinal canal for the spinal cord and nerves that travel to every region of our body.


A ‘forward head posture’ can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage pulling the entire spine out of alignment and may result in the loss of 30% of vital lung capacity,” says University of California’s director of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Rene Cailliet.


As forward head posture decreases lung capacity it affects the body from effectively oxygenating cells. This can lead to asthmatic conditions, blood vessel problems and heart disease. The oxygen deficit affects the entire gastrointestinal system leading to altered nutrient absorption and peristaltic activity. Lowered oxygen states also decrease endorphin production turning the perception of non-painful sensation into pain experiences.

Dr. Lane’s take: I ask my patients to do one thing to help themselves with posture: Hold your head up taller – pretend that your head is attached to a rope pulling you up.  Practice this with walking and you will see the improvement soon.

There is nothing to be gained from the whole “head up, shoulders back” thing we used to be taught in schools and by our coaches.  That is a military stance and they don’t even do that except when they are standing at attention.

Who do you think has it the worst?  Tall people!! The whole world is “down” there and they spend the whole day with their necks curved forward.

Darn lucky short people… no neck curve since they are always “looking up” (hopefully optimistic about life as well).


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