Fight the Hump

We begin life in a curled-up fetal position and as the decades fly by, our bodies begin to drift back into that initial pose. As long as the vertebrae are balanced more or less one atop the other, gravity’s pull is straight down through the center of the stack. But when you slouch (either unavoidably or carelessly) you lose the bone-over-bone balance. When there is no longer a strong bony stack under your heavy head and shoulders, you are losing the tug-of-war with gravity. Once your head is no longer balanced over your tailbone you are heading for a heap of trouble.

Fortunately, scientists have come a long way in understanding the part osteoporosis plays in our posture. We are learning the importance of monitoring the intake of calcium and vitamin D, of resistance exercise, of bone-density testing, of the role of strong and flexible support muscles. Prevention and awareness are your most effective weapons. Don’t wait till your spine is riddled with tiny fractures and atrophied discs.

Remember that ideal breathing springs in part from an open, flexible, relaxed, erect ribcage. The ribcage should be balanced directly above the pelvis. Deep lung tissue is devoted to oxygen deliver and it relies on ribcage muscles and the diaphragm to do the pumping and squeezing to actually move the air. It is a daily battle to retain your height and good posture as you age but the battle is important. A compressed warped ribcage leaves you with compressed warped breathing.

Be well. Breathe beautifully.