Chiropractors/posture
Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 9/25/2006
QuestionMy question is, Can a chiropractor help me with my posture. I feel like I have always been a little hunchback. I cannot stand up straight.
AnswerNilsa,
In short: yes, but it depends on the situation. For some people, the posture they have is what they are likely stuck with because that's the anatomic position of their bones. For example, there is no way a 70 year old spine with a "hump" is going to return to a straighter position with chiropractic treatment. The "hunchback" you describe may be a genetic trait inherited from your mother (for example) or a scoiosis you developed as a child. There are no definitive studies to suggest that these conditions change. In younger, healthier spines, there is some evidence that certain postures of the neck can be reversed. The process or technique for doing it is not done by all chiropractors. It is a vigorous procedure of weighted extension of the neck over a fulcrum and it has been criticized by the clinical community. Lastly, in practice (empirical evidence)there are often cases where the patient feels like they have better posture, or they feel better able to assume a better posture. These are often achieve through more than just joint manipulation. Manual soft tissue therapies, stretching, and exercises are included.
I hope this helps answer your question.
Dr. G