The post-holiday season has us sporting more curves than
necessary so why not start the New Year on focusing on the curve that matters
the most.
While the word ‘curves’ is associated more with vanity and
the fashion industry --- physical therapists are also interested in your
curve --- but not the fashionable one ---the functional one.
The most important curve in your body is your ‘spinal curve”
and the loss or gain of it sets you up for a lifetime of niggling and annoying
pains. The stiff back on long car rides, the need to stretch your neck when
staring at a computer screen, the shuffling in your seat at a movie theatre –
if this sounds familiar then you have compromised your curves. It's these ignored pains that can sometimes lead to severe problems which in turn lead to major surgeries.
The human spine has 3 curves—cervical, thoracic and lumbar
curve. The balance between the three curves is optimal for functioning and
getting through the movements that occur in daily life.
The cervical curve is the inquisitive curve as it allows us
to move to discover our world. Functionally it supports the weight of the head
(approx. 8-10lbs) and when optimally balanced allows for 180 degrees of
rotation or looking over each shoulder (think backing up a car).
The thoracic curve is like the powerhouse curve as it
supports the weight of both arms (approx. 15-18lbs each). Then it also supports
24 ribs that protect the heart and lungs and viscera. Then it also has to
expand and contract while we breathe all this while allowing us free arm
motion.
Then the lumbar curve it’s the expensive curve compensated most
for increased movement and lack of strength. It costs us billions per year in
medical cost. Just look at the stat below.
The prevalence of pain has a tremendous impact on business,
with a recent report by the Institute of Medicine indicating that the annual
value of lost productivity in 2010 dollars ranged between $297.4 billion to
335.5 billion. The value of lost productivity is based on three estimates: days
of work missed (ranging from $11.6 to $12.7 billion); hours of work lost (from
$95.2 to $96.5 billion); and lower wages (from $190.6 billion to $226.3 billion
But fear not….. All problems have solutions ---and so does
the spinal curve!
Dr. Carolyn Richardson as Australian physiotherapist and
researcher has spent her career studying the spinal curves and has proven
hypothesis and theories by doing research on astronauts. I have had the
pleasure to study with her and learn her system called “GRAVITY FIT” that
offers real world solutions to spinal and peripheral joint pain. Learn more at www.gravityfit.com.au
Renuka Pinto, PT, MA
renuka@duffyandbracken.com
