When bad posture isn’t really bad posture

As osteopaths, we see many people who are concerned about their posture, often saying “I don’t want to end up like ….(insert name of elderly relative)… He/she is completely hunched over!”. It’s great to see people who understand the benefits of prevention over cure, but in many cases the person they are thinking of doesn’t just have bad posture. In fact, they may have an underlying condition such as spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis. 

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become very fragile, occasionally to the point where an action as simple as picking up a bag of groceries causes a vertebra to fracture and collapse, leaving the vertebra in a wedge shape and creating the effect of a hunched-over posture. This condition has the somewhat old-fashioned name of ‘Dowager’s Hump’. 

Osteoporosis can be prevented from developing by maximising bone density in early life, and minimising bone loss in later life. Weight-bearing, high impact activities (like skipping rope or running) in early life will increase bone mass, alongside an adequate calcium intake. Best sources of calcium in your diet are green leafy vegetables, broccoli and dairy products (ideally raw, unpasteurised and unhomogenised). Back pain is bad enough, but what if your pain also goes down your leg? Is your leg the problem or can it be coming from your back? Where do you go to get effective and lasting relief fast? At City Osteopaths our practitioners are experts in helping people recover from back and leg pain. We provide excellent treatment and work with you so you are back to full health quickly.