The spine allows the agile movement of the human body. It not only supports the body and all its organs, it also protects the sensitive and delicate spinal cord and spinal nerves exiting it. It is composed of 24 freely movable segments and is taxed by activities of daily living. Every activity, even breathing, demands movement of the spine, ribs, and all attachments. The spine gives the human structure both strength and agility. A humans “biped” (standard erect on two legs) position gives the advantage of agility, leverage and mobility, while also creating certain structural stresses. The body must adapt to the continual stress of gravity in order to maintain its balance.
Posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture. The most obvious benefit of good posture is efficiency and comfort. Yet, because of the interrelationship of the structural (bone) and functional (organ) systems of the body, posture is also a factor that can impact health. For example, poor posture compromises the movements of the rib cage and does not allow the lungs to function at maximum efficiency in order to bring much needed oxygen to the tissue and eliminate carbon dioxide wastes. Other vital organs of the body are also restricted when body posture is improper, producing structural stress. By reducing these postural imbalances we can start to improve all functions of the body.
