Postural and spinal screenings are preventive tests that help Dr. James Gardner DC detect neuromusculoskeletal problems, which affect your nerves, muscles, and joints. Like other types of preventive tests, spinal and postural screenings detect problems in their early stages, when most conditions respond best to treatment.
The screening process can help Dr. Gardner DC discover posture and spinal alignment issues you never knew you had, long before they turn into chronic back pain, neck pain, or other injuries. Poor posture during adolescence is a major cause of early arthritis and chronic pain in adulthood, for example, and early screening can help detect posture problems in teens.
Screening Process
Ideally, your spine holds your head, ribcage, and pelvis in a centered and balanced way, and in the most mechanically efficient position for any given activity. Poor posture allows the spine to deviate from its normal and healthy position, which then pulls your head, ribcage, and pelvis out of alignment. Abnormal posture contributes to the development and progression of a variety of spinal injuries and diseases, which may include:
- Scoliosis – a sideways curve of the spine
- Disc injury – injury to one of the rubbery discs that cushion the bones of your spine
- Muscle injury
- Lifting injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Screening can also help Dr. Gardner DC diagnose the cause of:
- Chronic headaches
- Neck pain
- Back pain
A posture screening consists of two main components: static analysis and dynamic postural analysis. At Grand Teton Chiropractic, P.C. we use static analysis to assess mobility and pain issues. Static analysis involves evaluating pelvic tilt, anterior pelvic tile, elevation posture, and rotation posture.
Dr. Gardner DC uses dynamic postural analysis to assess alignment issues you may be having when you move. For many people, the body changes the way it moves to compensate for small deviations in their spinal alignment. Improper spinal alignment can cause someone to favor one leg over another, for example, or redistribute his or her weight. Improper spinal alignment and changing the way you move can pull on ligaments, tendons, and muscles to cause pain in other parts of your body.
During this screening, Dr. Gardner DC will assess your motion as you:
- Raise your hands above your head
- Stand on one leg
- Sit on the edge of a seat, stand up, and then sit down again
- Attempt one push-up
Dr. Gardner DC performs dynamic posture screening by looking at your shoulders to see if they are even, making sure your legs are the same length, and check how you hold your head in relation to the rest of your body.
For more information about spinal and postural screening, contact Grand Teton Chiropractic, P.C. at (208) 529-1919. The earlier you detect neuromusculoskeletal problems, the sooner you can begin treatment.
