Spine in decline?
It doesn't have to be.
Remember Slinkys? How far did they get down the stairs when tangled with multiple kinks in the chain? They'd flop over and stop moving. Kinks disrupt the flow of energy through the Slinky coils. Just like a kinked Slinky, a kyphotic spine will not be able to walk as smoothly or efficiently as an aligned spine.
For example, let's observe Trump's dynamic posture. If I were Trump’s trainer, and he had clearance from a reputable physician, I would focus on strengthening the following muscle groups:
anterior tibialis
neck extensors
posterior oblique slings
The anterior tibialis is in front of your shin and is responsible for dorsiflexion and ankle stabilization. Keeping this active with a fast response time is crucial for maintaining balance and walking. (Read: pick up your feet to avoid the old man shuffle that drags legs rather than lifts them.)
Neck extensors do precisely what they sound like: extend the neck. Currently, Trump's cervical spine is excessively kyphotic in a forward head posture. This fragile posture will continue to descend if not actively strengthened to combat gravity. Ideal postural alignment must pull the head backward (or extend) so the ear is aligned over the acromion process. (The acromion process is a bump on the shoulder blade that touches the collar bone.)
An oblique sling is a group of muscles that coordinate across the body (think beauty pageant sash) to transfer load or force across multiple joints. While both front and back slings should be strengthened, focusing on the back (posterior) oblique sling would improve posture and athletic quality of movement. Substantial pain and physical limitations are likely experienced with a discombobulated oblique sling like Trump’s. Additionally, it can lead to standing like the Leaning Tower of ate too much Pizza…
If you are willing to put in the work, this does not have to be you! You can align your spine with a targeted strength training program. You have one body, and it is your permanent home. Choose to age with strength and grace.
To improve your dynamic posture, book an appointment with Heidi.