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WEEK 3: POSTURAL DEFECTS

Types of Postural Defects

 

Posture refers to the way the body is positioned and carried during standing, sitting, walking, or lying down. A good posture is the correct alignment of the body that places minimal stress on bones, joints, and muscles. A postural defect occurs when the body’s alignment deviates from the natural position, resulting in abnormal curves or positions of the spine, shoulders, or limbs. Postural defects can cause discomfort, poor appearance, difficulty in movement, and in severe cases, health problems.

TYPES OF POSTURAL DEFECTS

1. Kyphosis

 

• An excessive outward curve of the upper spine (thoracic region), leading to a hunchback appearance.
• Causes: poor sitting habits, carrying heavy loads, bone diseases like tuberculosis of the spine.
  
• Effects: back pain, reduced lung capacity, poor body image.

 

1. Lordosis

 

• An excessive inward curve of the lower spine (lumbar region).

 

• Commonly referred to as “swayback.”

 

• Causes: obesity, weak abdominal muscles, prolonged poor posture, pregnancy.

 

• Effects: backache, fatigue, difficulty standing for long periods.

 

1. Scoliosis

 

• A sideways curvature of the spine in an “S” or “C” shape.

 

• Causes: congenital deformities, uneven leg length, carrying heavy loads on one side of the body.
• Effects: uneven shoulders or hips, pain, breathing difficulties in severe cases.

 

1. Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

 

• A condition where the knees touch or angle inward while the ankles remain apart.

 

• Causes: weak leg muscles, rickets, obesity, genetic factors.

 

• Effects: awkward walking pattern, knee pain, joint strain.

 

1. Bow Legs (Genu Varum)

 

• A condition where the legs curve outward at the knees, leaving a gap between them when standing with feet together.
• Causes: rickets, bone malnutrition, improper walking posture in childhood.

 

• Effects: imbalance, pain in legs, difficulty in running or walking long distances.

 

1. Flat Foot

 

• A condition where the arch of the foot is absent, causing the entire sole to touch the ground.
  
• Causes: weak foot muscles, prolonged standing, congenital defects.

 

• Effects: pain in the feet and legs, poor balance, inability to stand for long.

 

1. Round Shoulders

 

• A condition where the shoulders are bent forward abnormally.

 

• Causes: poor sitting posture, long hours of bending over books, use of improper chairs and desks.
• Effects: chest compression, shallow breathing, and poor body shape.

TYPES OF POSTURAL DEFECTS AND THEIR EFFECTS