Postural diseases are a growing concern in today’s society, largely due to a sedentary lifestyle and long hours spent working in front of computers and mobile devices. They not affect people’s quality of life, but they can also trigger a variety of muscular-skeletal disorders that require specialised medical treatment.
They affect people of all ages and can appear in various forms, from mild muscle aches through to disabling chronic conditions.
These can lead to back pain, muscle stiffness, reduced flexibility and, in severe cases, physical deformities. Plus, they may also have emotional and psychological consequences and affect daily life and work.
The most common disorders are:
- Neck pain
This is pain in the cervical spine area, usually associated with poor posture, repetitive movements, stress or traumatic injuries. Symptoms include stiffness, pain radiating to the shoulders and arms and limited ability to move the neck. Diagnosis is made by clinical assessment as well as imaging tests, and treatment includes physiotherapy, pain killers, strengthening exercises and relaxation techniques.
How to prevent it? By adopting a good position when sleeping, avoiding sleeping on your front and supporting the head when sitting for a long period.
- Back pain
Back pain is constant or intermittent pain in the dorsal region of the spine (upper back) that is usually caused by poor posture, muscle overload or injury. The pain is accompanied by limited movement. Treatment consists of physiotherapy, painkillers, stretching exercises and postural correction.
How to prevent it? Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and being in the same position for a long time. Commit to doing stretching and physical exercise.
- Kyphosis
This condition produces an exaggerated outward rounding of the spinal column in the upper back, forcing the body into a forward curved posture. It can be congenital or acquired, and is commonly associated with poor posture, injury, or muscle spasms. The condition requires physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and in severe cases, corrective surgery.
How to prevent it? Try to maintain good posture, both sitting and standing.
- Torticollis (neck muscle spasm)
This is an involuntary contraction of the neck muscles that can be either congenital or acquired, resulting in a lateral tilt or rotation of the head. It can be caused by poor posture, muscle weakness or bone disease. Treatment consists of physiotherapy, muscle-relaxing medication and stretching exercises.
How to prevent it? Avoid bad posture and strengthen the muscles.
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
So-called tennis elbow is an inflammation of the elbow tendons caused by repetitive movements or overloading. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the elbow and weakness in the hand and wrist. Recommended treatment includes rest, physiotherapy and/or orthosis (a device to aid healing). Surgery is needed in some chronic cases.
How to prevent it? Perform warm-up and stretching routines before and after exercise and strengthen the muscles in the elbow area.
These postural conditions can be debilitating if not treated properly, so it’s important to seek treatment.
Dr José Francisco Lizón
Traumatologist and Spine Specialist
Hospital HLA San Carlos