What is the greatest force acting upon our bodies throughout through-out our life?
It’s gravity of course.
When we begin life in the uterus where we’re in a curled-up C-curve. In this state, and especially with the foetus sitting in the amniotic fluid it is cushioned and protected from many of the effects of gravity. We do however, need some degree of gravity. When a baby is born––assuming the spine is not overly stressed where subluxations occur during the birth process––then the process of spinal expansion commences.
When a baby is born, the gradual process of spinal development and expansion begins.
As the baby develops, it slowly begins to lift and turn its head, and a curve develops in the neck—the normal cervical curve. As the baby grows into a child, further spinal development takes place, with three major curves developing throughout the spine.
Viewed from the side, these curves provide an efficient structure for the spine to manage the forces of gravity.
An upright posture allows us to balance our bodies efficiently against gravity. It also represents an alignment in which the body can function with less mechanical stress and strain.
When spinal alignment is compromised, a number of effects may occur, including:
- Spinal joint misalignment
- Nerve irritation and inflammation
- Muscle spasm and joint restriction
- Altered movement and biomechanics
- Changes in soft-tissue function
- Increased physical stress and strain
Some or all of these effects may be associated with spinal dysfunction or altered posture. Changes in movement and loading can also influence the health of the spinal discs and surrounding tissues over time.
As we get older, our posture sometimes begins to regress.
In a condition called ankylosing spondylitis, the spine can become progressively stiff and fused, resulting in a pronounced forward curvature. Depending on the severity of the condition, a person may have difficulty standing upright or looking straight ahead.
When we spend prolonged periods in a hunched, C-shaped posture, we are placing the spine in a position that resembles a more primitive, flexed state. In this situation, rather than encouraging extension and upright posture, the spine is continually being loaded in a shortened, flexed position.
Ultimately, as we age, many of us experience some degree of physical contraction, loss of height and reduced postural extension.
The goal, therefore, is to forestall this shrinkage.
When we extend, we create space to expand. When we continually contract inward, we can begin to shrink—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Minimize the hunched-over state. Encourage spinal extension, regular movement, and healthy posture. Chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments where appropriate, may be one component of a broader approach to supporting spinal mobility, posture, and physical function.
