What Are Postural Disorders?

Postural disorders or postural injuries refer to conditions that cause a misalignment or imbalance in the body. They stem from a series of abnormal positions during daily activities that can harm a person’s health.

Poor Posture

It’s important to remember that correct posture should not require effort or be uncomfortable. It should also allow you to move with total freedom while doing various activities.

Postural disorders can arise throughout life and are often related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) due to the connection between the muscles used for chewing and the back of the neck. Poor head posture can put pressure on the vertebrae and affect overall posture.

The cause of postural disorders is unknown, though some clinical studies suggest they may be due to genetic factors or a natural posture problem that develops during adolescence.

Postural Defects

Some of the most common conditions caused by postural disorders include:

• Postural slump: The progressive loss of body alignment.
• Genu varum: When the legs are bowed outward, separating the knees even when the feet are together.
• Hyperkyphosis: Excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine.
• Hyperlordosis: Excessive curvature of the spine in the lower back.
• Scoliosis: A lateral deviation of the spine, causing an uneven waist.
• Flat feet: The arch of the foot is decreased or absent, causing the entire sole to rest on the ground.
• Pes valgus: A deviation where the heel leans outward and the inner arch of the foot tends to collapse.
• Loss of lumbar lordosis: The loss or reduction of the spine’s natural curve.

When postural disorders are not corrected, they can lead to postural injuries, which are damages to muscles, joints, or ligaments resulting from repetitive and unbalanced use of the body. The most common injuries include:

• Forward head posture
• Muscle contractures
• Exaggerated lumbar curve
• Worn-out joints
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Slumped shoulders
• Stooping
• Dizziness
• Stiff spine
• Instability
• Imbalance

If left untreated, postural disorders can trigger more serious problems like stiffness, limited movement in some limbs, or severe deformities.

Postural Assessment

A postural assessment is a clinical and biomechanical process that identifies misalignments in the body’s posture that may be related to pain, functional limitations, or movement compensations.

This assessment is performed by observing the body in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes. It is also possible to use tools such as pressure platforms, 3D scanners, photos for postural analysis, or X-rays.

Diagnosing a postural disorder begins with a detailed analysis of the body while standing, sitting, and in motion. During this analysis, signs such as shoulder tilt, pelvic rotation, excessive spinal curvatures like hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, and scoliosis, as well as an uneven weight distribution, can be observed.

Additionally, functional tests may be requested to evaluate muscle flexibility, strength, and joint mobility.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, it’s possible to determine if the disorders are structural or functional, related to habits or compensations.

Once the type and cause of the postural disorder have been identified, a personalized treatment plan is established. When the cause is functional, therapeutic exercise programs are often prescribed to strengthen weak muscles, lengthen shortened ones, and improve body awareness. Physical therapy, massage therapy, or the use of temporary orthopedic devices like braces or insoles may also be required.

For cases where the postural disorders are severe or structural, such as scoliosis with a significant curve, treatment may require a multidisciplinary team that could include orthopedics, occupational therapy, or even corrective surgery.

Early intervention through postural assessment can prevent the progression of many of these disorders and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life. Timely detection, consistent follow-up, and active patient participation are key to treatment.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!