POSTURE

Normal: The normal curvature of thespine is convex through the thoracic portion and
concave through the cervical and lumbar portions.

Common Deformities of the spine includes:

1. Kyphosis
2. Lordosis (or swayback, an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine)

KYPHOSIS
-also called as "dowager's hump"
-increase in thoracic curvature of the spine
-increased forward curvature of the thoracic spine
-an increased convexity or roundness of the spine's thoracic curve

Frequently seen on people:

-Kyphosis is frequently seen in elderly patients with osteoporosis and in some
patients with neuromuscular diseases.
-Patients with osteoporotic collapse of vertebrae
-Patient with Osteomalacia
-Skeletal deformities: Spinal Kyphosis
-Age-related musculoskeletal changes affect posture (kyphosis), stance and gait.
-These changes negatively affect mobility, balance, and internal organ
function
HEALTH PROMOTION STRATEGIES:
-Exercise regularly
-Eat high-calcium diet
-Limit phosphorus intake
-Take calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed

LORDOSIS
- also called as "swayback"
-increase in lumbar curvature of the spine
-an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine

Frequently seen on people:

-Lordosis is frequently seen during pregnancy as the woman adjusts her posture in
response to changes in her center of gravity

Physical Assessment of Posture

1. During inspection of the spine, the entire back, buttocks and legs are exposed.
2. Examiner inspects the spinal curves and trunk symmetry from posterior and
lateral views.
3. Standing behind the patient, examiner notes any differences in the height of the
shoulders or iliac crests.
Normal Findings:
-Gluteal golds are normally symmetric.
4. Shoulder and hip symmetry, as well as the line of the vertebral column, are
inspected with the patient erect and with the patient bending forward (flexion)

Lordosis
IMPROVING PHYSICAL MOBILITY
-Physical mobility is monitored through continuing assessments.
-The nurse assess how the patient moves and stands.

Intervention:
-The physical therapist designs an exercise program for the individual patient to
reduce lordosis, increase flexibility, and reduce strain on the back.
 May include:
-Hyperextension Exercises: to strengthen paravertebral muscles
-Flexion Exercises: to increase back movement and strength
-Isometric Flexion Exercises: to strengthen trunk muscles

USING PROPER BODY MECHANICS

-The patient who is requiredd to stand for long periods should shift weight
frequently and should rest one foor on a low stool, which decreases lumbar
lordosis.
Normal: Proper posture can be verified by looking in a mirror to see whether the
chest is up and the abdomen is tucked in.
-When patient is sitting:
-the knees and hips should be flexed, and the knees should be level with the
hips or higher to minimize lordosis.
-Feet should be flat on the floor
-Back needs to be supported

ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY BACK

Lying
-When supine, use a pillow under the knees to decrease lordosis