Neural Tension

We can all remember back to a time when someone told us to sit up straight and not slouch. There is no doubt, there are benefits to assuming an ideal posture. Is it aesthetic or functional? I would venture to say that it is functional in the sense that it takes stress off of structures within our bodies that can cause us pain. One of these structures is our nervous system.  
Our nervous system controls vital functions throughout our body as well as providing our muscles the input to contract and do work. Often times, the path that a nerve takes through our body is tortuous as it travels to it's destination. These nerves move as we move and adjust to changes in position.  When our body posture changes with our different activities and even over our lifespan, we effectively alter this tension. When our posture changes for the worse..
For Example:

• Forward head
• Forward spine curvature
• Decreased shoulder flexibility
• Decreased back & hip flexibility

...it becomes more likely that the mobility of our nerves has also decreased, as there is greater tension now. This is also a particularly common scenario following surgeries as there is usually a period of immobilization. When this occurs, we usually experience pain, numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness. In many scenarios, working on postural exercises, flexibility, and nerve mobility resolves symptoms.  At High Desert PT, we utilize techniques to keep this from becoming a limiting factor to the activities you enjoy.
Have a great day! Spring is just around the corner!
Michael Grajeda, PT, DPT