man purse - bad posture and back pain

http://gothamist.com/2011/02/22/hey_fancy_boys_that_man_bag_is_givi.php

 

Scientific studies are ruining everything. First they tell us skinny jeans are bad for us, and now the man purse is on the chopping block. According to a new study (via the NY Post) a weighty man bag may be a quick way to land yourself some back pain and bad posture... or your neighbors calling you "a real fancy boy."

The British Chiropractic Association said man bags, on average, weigh up to 13.67 pounds (or 12+ bags of sugar—and that's lighter than the average woman's purse) and "should be used with caution." This includes any bag from an over-the-shoulder laptop case to messenger bag to satchel—we're guessing even Jerry's European carry-all isn't safe. Men, here are some pain-free purse-carrying pointers from Woman's Day.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

 

 

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man bag = bad for posture and health

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1999893/chiropractors_warn_against_man_bag_and_back_pain/index.html?source=r_health

 

 

Chiropractors Warn Against Man Bag And Back Pain

Posted on: Monday, 21 February 2011, 14:25 CST

British chiropractors reported recently that sporting a weighty man bag may be the latest fashion for men but it can cause back pain and poor posture.

Trendsetters like footballer David Beckham, rapper Jay-Z and actor Brad Pitt have been spotted wearing the functional fashion accessory that the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) said can cause back problems.

The BCA said the man bag in its various guises should be used with caution.

A study by BCA found that the average man bag weighs up to 13.67 pounds, which is the equivalent of over 12 bags of sugar.  In the digital age men's bags are loaded with essential on-the-go accessories, laptops, mp3 players, phones and gym kit.

"(Man bags) could cause back and shoulder pain from prolonged stress, this could also impact posture" said Tim Hutchful from the BCA. "We need to become more savvy in how we use them, whilst learning to read our bodies and know when we're placing too much pressure on certain points."

According to the study, three in five men carry some sort of bag.

"The bags serve a purpose so we need to become more savvy in how we use them, whilst learning to read our bodies and know when we’re placing too much pressure on certain points," Hutchful said in a statement.

Some recommendations BCA makes while carrying a man bag include: alternating the shoulder someone uses while carrying the bag; keeping the strap short; and not carrying it for extended periods of time.

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On the Net:

·         British Chiropractic Association (BCA)

 

Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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mid-thoracic dysfunction

 

Mid-Thoracic Dysfunction: A Key Perpetuating Factor of Pain in the Locomotor System

By Craig Liebenson, DC

Dysfunction involving excessive T4-T8 kyphosis is common. Symptoms arising from regions at a distance to the mid-thoracic area are often secondary to T4-T8 dysfunction. This article will discuss why (rationale), when (indications), what (skills), and how (practical integration) T4-8 dysfunction is addressed.

 

Why

Mid-thoracic dysfunction involves increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine from T4-T8, usually the result of prolonged sitting in a constrained posture. Thoracic, lumbopelvic and cervicocranial posture are interrelated as links in a chain (see Figure 1). When excessive slumping becomes habitual, according to Brügger, it is called the sternosymphyseal syndrome (Lewit 1996, 1999, Liebenson et al., 1998, Liebenson 1999).

Mid-thoracic dysfunction affects the whole body's center of alignment and posture. Head and shoulder forward posture causes orofacial, neck and shoulder disorders; slumping affects breathing by leading to inhibition of the diaphragm and overactivation of the scalenes; and lumbar disc syndromes and nerve impingement have been shown to result from repetitive end-range flexion overload (Callaghan, McGill 2001).

When

Indications for treating the mid-thoracic region arise from postural analysis, passive joint mobility testing, and active joint mobility testing. The postural sign of increased thoracolumbar hypertonus is a classic sign of overactivity of the superficial "global" muscles and indicates poor "deep" muscle function (Janda 1996, Richardson 1999, Jull 2000, Hodges 2002) (Figure 2). Palpation of passive joint mobility and quality of end-feel is best performed in the seated position, as shown by Brügger (see Figure 3) (Brügger 2000).

The dynamic mobility screen of choice is the standing arm elevation test (Figure 4) (Liebenson 2001).

What

Managing T4-8 dysfunction requires a broad skill set incorporating postural advice, manual manipulation, and therapeutic exercise.

Sample Exercises for Improving T4-8 Extension Mobility (see Figures 6-7)

 

§  Brügger relief position - beginner

 

§  Back stretch on the ball - intermediate

 

§  Kolár's wall slide with arm elevation - advanced

How

Knowing why mid-thoracic dysfunction is clinically important, when it should be addressed, and what techniques are therapeutic is only the beginning point for successful management of the patient with a problem in this area. Satisfactory results will result from learning how to incorporate this knowledge and skill into patient care efficiently. A moment or two per session spent explaining the relationship between function and pain is one such step. Each exercise requires a unique "report of findings" to motivate the patient to incorporate it into his or her daily routine.

The Brügger relief position is an ideal workplace "micro-break." It activates an entire chain of muscles linked to the upright posture. To prevent the tendency to hyperextend the lumbar spine with this exercise, it should be performed with active exhalation.

The back stretch on the ball is comfortable and relaxing. It promotes improved respiration. It can cause dizziness at first, so the patient should be guided slowly onto it until he or she has learned how to balance on the ball.

Kolár's wall slide with arm elevation is a functional exercise, since it combines arm elevation, squatting and breathing. Patients typically feel a nice stretch in the lattismus dorsi with this exercise.

Summary

T4-8 dysfunction is a common source of muscle imbalance, trigger points, joint dysfunction, and faulty movement patterns. While often asymptomatic, it is nonetheless a key source of biomechanical overload involving the neck, TMJ, shoulder, arm, and even low back regions. Treatments which aim only at the site of symptoms are bound to fail if function is disturbed due to excessive kyphosis in the mid-back.

Rehabilitation of the upright posture is fundamental to optimization of function in the locomotor system. Neurological programs for maintenance of the upright posture are "hard-wired" into the central nervous system, making rehabilitation of the mid-thoracic area of central importance, both biomechanically and neurophysiologically. The mid-thoracic region is "linked" to a multitude of common musculoskeletal pain syndromes, and the simple assessment and treatments shown here are an excellent complement to chiropractic practice.

References

§  Brügger A. Lehrbuch der Funktionellen Storungen des Bewegungssystems. Brugger-Verlag GmbH, Zollikon, Benglen, 2000.

§  Callaghan JP, McGill SM. Intervertebral disc herniation: studies on a porcine model exposed to highly repetitive flexion/extension motion with compressive force. Clinical Biomechanics 2001;16:28-37.

§  Hodges PW, Jull GA. Motor relearning strategies for the rehabilitation of invertebral control of the spine. In Liebenson CS. Rehabilitaiton of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual (2^nd ed). Lippincott/Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, sched pub 2002.

§  Janda V 1996. The evaluation of muscle imbalance in Liebenson CS (ed) Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual, Lippincott/Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1996.

§  Jull GA. Deep cervical flexor muscle dysfunction in whiplash. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 2000. 8:143-154,

§  Lewit K 1996. The role of manipulation in spinal rehabilitation in Liebenson CS (ed) Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual, Lippincott/Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.

§  Lewit K 1999. Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Motor System. 3rd edition. London: Butterworths.

§  Liebenson CS, DeFranca C, Lefebvre R 1998. Rehabilitation of the Spine: Functional Evaluation of the Cervical Spine, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.

§  Liebenson CS, Advice for the clinician and patient: The Brugger relief position. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 1999. 3:147-149.

§  Liebenson CS, Advice for the clinician and patient: Self-treatment of mid-thoracic dysfunction: a key link in the body axis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2001. 5:90-100.

§  Richardson C, Jull G, Hides J, Hodges P 1999. Therapeutic Exercise for Spinal Stabilization in Lower Back Pain, Churchill Livingstone.

Craig Liebenson,DC
Los Angeles, California

 

 

 

 

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forward head/ forward shoulders

 

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=36230

 

 

Forward Head / Forward Shoulders

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO

Probably one of the most common postural distortions we see is the forward head, forward shoulders posture. This distortion often appears in teenagers and progresses to old age. Porterfield and DeRosa¹ have provided some important information regarding this problem.

They state¹ that while lengthening or weakness of the scapular retractors is often blamed, a major cause is weakness and lengthening of the abdominal muscles, allowing the chest to descend and shifting the weight of the upper trunk anteriorly. This causes the chest to descend with the scapula shifting forward around the rib cage, pressing the clavicle to the first rib. In this position, the humerus internally rotates and the head and neck are brought forward.

As the head and neck are brought forward, the patient is forced to extend the occiput to keep the eyes horizontal, resulting in overactivity of the suboccipital muscles. With the head in a forward position, a passive tensile force is created in the hyoid muscles resulting in hyoid muscle tension, causing the mandible to be depressed and translated posteriorly. The patient is therefore forced to contract the temporalis and masseter muscles to keep the mouth closed.

This abnormal mandibular positioning can cause myofascial stress to the masseter and temporalis and temporomandibular problems. Porterfield and DeRosa¹ state that symptoms such as excessive dry mouth due to mouth breathing, dysphagia, suboccipital headaches, teeth clenching, pain in the head and face over the temporalis area, and tightness over the throat region may occur.

A particular problem with the anterior sagittal glide of the head is the effect on the cervical facet joints. The facets are forced to go into extension and become impacted.² Impacted facet joints prevent the hyaline cartilage compression and decompression necessary for normal nutrition, resulting in increased facet degeneration. The internally rotated shoulders increase the axial compression of the acromioclavicular joints to the sternoclavicular joints. There is usually a shortening of the pectoral fascia. Internally rotated shoulders can cause scapular protraction, narrowing the thoracic outlet and thereby compressing the neurovascular bundle. The forward shoulders may also narrow the subacromial space predisposing to subacromial impingement.

Treatment of the forward shoulders and neck therefore requires strengthening of the abdominal muscles and balancing of the anterior and posterior scapular muscles.¹ Having patients stand in a doorway with the arms supporting them while they allow themselves to fall forward for several minutes at a time helps in stretching the fascial component. Using fascial release to restore pelvic torsion and free the pectoral areas is essential for long-term effect. The forward head posture forces the levator scapulae to eccentrically contract on a continuous basis, which is the reason these patients usually have pain and trigger points at the superior medial border of the scapulae. The posterior cervical superficial investing and prevertebral cervical fascia must be evaluated and treated along with the thoracodorsal and thoracolumbar fascia to which the prevertebral fascia is connected.

References

1.    Porterfield JA, DeRosa C. Mechanical Neck Pain. Perspectives in Functional Anatomy. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Co., 1995.

 

2.    Innes K. Lecture notes. Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, July 7, 1999.

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Click here for more information about Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO.

 

 

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abnormal posture and pain

 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1589462?dopt=Abstract

 

Phys Ther. 1992 Jun;72(6):425-31.

Incidence of common postural abnormalities in the cervical, shoulder, and thoracic regions and their association with pain in two age groups of healthy subjects.

Griegel-Morris P, Larson K, Mueller-Klaus K, Oatis CA.

Philadelphia Institute for Physical Therapy, PA 19104.

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to identify the incidence of postural abnormalities of the thoracic, cervical, and shoulder regions in two age groups of healthy subjects and to explore whether these abnormalities were associated with pain. Eighty-eight healthy subjects, aged 20 to 50 years, were asked to answer a pain questionnaire and to stand by a plumb line for postural assessment of forward head, rounded shoulders, and kyphosis. Subjects were divided into two age groups: a 20- to 35-year-old group (mean = 25, SD = 63) and a 36- to 50-year-old group (mean = 47, SD = 2.6). Interrater and intrarater reliability (Cohen's Kappa coefficients) for postural assessment were established at .611 and .825, respectively. Frequency counts revealed postural abnormalities were prevalent (forward head = 66%, kyphosis = 38%, right rounded shoulder = 73%, left rounded shoulder = 66%). No relationship was found between the severity of postural abnormality and the severity and frequency of pain. Subjects with more severe postural abnormalities, however, had a significantly increased incidence of pain, as determined by chi-square analysis (critical chi 2 = 6, df = 2, P less than .05). Subjects with kyphosis and rounded shoulders had an increased incidence of interscapular pain, and those with a forward-head posture had an increased incidence of cervical, interscapular, and headache

 

poor posture = poor physical function in Older People.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15972617?dopt=AbstractPlusChoose Destination

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J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005 May;60(5):633-7.

Hyperkyphotic posture and poor physical functional ability in older community-dwelling men and women: the Rancho Bernardo study.

Kado DM, Huang MH, Barrett-Connor E, Greendale GA.

Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10945 Le Conte Ave., Suite 2339, Los Angeles, CA, USA. dkado@mednet.ucla.edu

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical functional decline is often the determining factor that leads to loss of independence in older persons. Identifying risk factors for physical disability may lead to interventions that may prevent or delay the onset of functional decline. Our study objective was to determine the association between hyperkyphotic posture and physical functional limitations.

METHODS: Participants were 1578 older men and women from the Rancho Bernardo Study who had kyphotic posture measured as the distance from the occiput to table (units = 1.7-cm blocks, placed under the participant's head when lying supine on a radiology table). Self-reported difficulty in bending, walking, and climbing was assessed by standard questionnaires. Physical performance was assessed by measuring grip strength and ability to rise from a chair without the use of the arms.

RESULTS: Men were more likely to be hyperkyphotic than were women (p <.0001). In multiply adjusted comparisons, there was a graded stepwise increase in difficulty in bending, walking and climbing, measured grip strength, and ability to rise from a chair. For example, the odds ratio (OR) of having to use the arms to stand up from a chair increased from 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-3.0) for individuals defined as hyperkyphotic by 1 block to 2.9 (95% CI: 1.7-5.1) for individuals defined as hyperkyphotic by 2 blocks to 3.7 (95% CI: 2.1-6.3) for individuals defined as hyperkyphotic by > or = 3 blocks compared to those who were not hyperkyphotic (p for trend < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Older persons with hyperkyphotic posture are more likely to have physical functional difficulties.

PMID: 15972617 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]PMCID: PMC1360196Free PMC Article

Images from this publication.See all images (2) Free text

Figure 1

Measure of hyperkyphotic posture. A, Neutral head and neck position; B, hyperextended neck position; C, head on blocks restores neutral head and neck position.

Hyperkyphotic Posture and Poor Physical Functional Ability in Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women: The Rancho Bernardo Study

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2006 February 2.;60(5):633-637.

Figure 2

Age and sex adjusted analyses of kyphotic posture and odds of having poor physical functional ability. Reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. All p for trends < .0001 except for grip strength which had a p for trend = .048.

Hyperkyphotic Posture and Poor Physical Functional Ability in Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women: The Rancho Bernardo Study

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2006 February 2.;60(5):633-637.

 

 

 

hyperkypohosis and risk of Osteoporotic Fractures

Hyperkyphotic Posture and Risk of Future Osteoporotic Fractures: The Rancho Bernardo Study This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C. Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org
	FROM:   J Bone Miner Res 2006 (Mar);   21 (3):   419—423 Huang MH, Barrett-Connor E, Greendale GA, Kado DM Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA It is unknown whether kyphosis of the thoracic spine is an independent risk factor for future osteoporotic fractures. In 596 community-dwelling women, we found that with increasing kyphosis, there was a significant trend of increasing fracture risk that was independent of previous history of fractures or BMD (bone mineral density). INTRODUCTION:   It is unknown whether kyphosis of the thoracic spine is an independent risk factor for future osteoporotic fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS:   We conducted a prospective cohort study of 596 community-dwelling women, 47-92 years of age. Between 1988 and 1991, BMD of the hip and spine and kyphosis were measured. Kyphosis was measured by counting the number of 1.7-cm blocks necessary to place under the occiput so participants could lie flat without neck hyperextension. New fractures were reported over an average follow-up of 4 years. RESULTS:   Using a cut-off of at least one block, 18% of the participants had hyperkyphotic posture (range, one to nine blocks). There were 107 women who reported at least one new fracture (hip, spine, wrist, clavicle, shoulder, arm, hand, rib, pelvis, leg, or ankle). In logistic regression analyses, older women with hyperkyphotic posture (defined as at least one block) had a 1.7-fold increased risk of having a future fracture independent of age, prior fracture, and spine or hip BMD (95% CI: 1.00-2.97; p = 0.049). There was a significant trend of increasing fracture risk with increasing number of blocks, with ORs ranging from 1.5 to 2.6 as the number of blocks increased from one to at least three blocks compared with those with zero blocks (trend p = 0.03; models adjusted for age, baseline fracture, spine or hip BMD). Stratification by baseline fracture status and controlling for other possible confounders or past year falls did not change the results. CONCLUSION:   Whereas hyperkyphosis may often result from vertebral fractures, our study findings suggest that hyperkyphotic posture itself may be an important risk factor for future fractures, independent of low BMD or fracture history.

 

 

 

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FW: How bad posture can make you a sitting duck

 

 

How bad posture can make you a sitting duck

Claire Martin

February 17, 2011

In a slump ... can you spot a Facebook leaner or a slouch? Photo: iStock

ARE you a Sloucher or a Facebook Leaner? These types are found everywhere in offices and are often the people you hear complaining about back pain.

The sad truth is that the way we sit at work and the length of time we sit at work are causing us all sorts of problems.

In fact some experts now say that if you get up from your desk and walk around a little every 20 minutes or so, it'll probably help your body more than a 45-minute session at the gym.

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''From a cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome perspective, your results will be significantly better,'' says personal trainer, Jamie Atlas, from Denver. . ''You might feel that you're justifying your desk-bound position by going to the gym. But your body will benefit more if you get up and move around. Even doing things like standing when you're trying to plan meetings, or going across the room to talk to someone, can help keep the body awake.''

When walking through an office, Atlas often can correctly predict physical ailments just by looking at how someone sits at the desk. And sometimes, an attempt at good posture only contributes to the problem.

''We're taught to sit up straight but most people sit forward in their chairs, leaning into the screen,'' says Rick Olderman, author of Fixing You: Shoulder and Elbow Pain. The result, he says, is shoulder and lower-back pain. One answer: set the chair at a lower height to let your knees be even with your hips and scoot back in the seat until your spine contacts the chair's backrest.

''There's a myriad of problems caused just by working at a desk,'' Olderman says. Most people unconsciously succumb to one or more of three positions that can cause injuries that range from lower-back to carpal-tunnel problems. The first is what Atlas calls ''the Sloucher'' - sitting slumped, hips forward, the middle of the back leaning against the back of the chair.

The second is ''the Facebook Lean'', which anyone who saw The Social Network can identify as the form demonstrated by actor Jesse Eisenberg - hunched over the keyboard, head leaning towards the monitor, shoulders aiming to unite with ear lobes.

The third is ''the Designer Lean'', named for graphic designers who tilt slightly toward their hand as it sits on the mouse. Their torso is still, except for the subtle, sporadic motion of hand on mouse.

Each of these invests the user with unique problems.

The Sloucher has tight hip flexors that pull the lower back forward into a swayback, even when the Sloucher stands. It contributes to lower-back pain and poor digestion.

The Facebook Lean puts enormous stress on the erector muscles of the upper back and neck - the same muscles that help support the head. In this position, Atlas explains, chest muscles tighten, shoulders round forward, forearms rotate internally and wrists tilt, all contributing to carpal-tunnel problems and neck pain.

''Imagine: For every inch forward the head sits from the spine, that adds about 10 pounds [4.5 kilograms] to the load the neck muscles must carry,'' he says.

Graphic designers are especially prone to the Designer Lean, which shortens muscles on one side of the lumbar spine and lengthens muscles on the other. The position encourages someone to sit off-centre, making it hard for muscles to right themselves when the user stands up. The result: mid-back pain. The answer? Stretch, stand and move.

The Denver Post

 

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