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Many people do not realize that maintaining a good posture can ward off many other health issues that affect people in everyday life, adds Michael Urban, senior lecturer and program director of the doctor of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven. An example of this is hyperkyphosis, also known as the “hunchback” or “dowager’s hump,” which is excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine.
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If this progresses, it can actually change the architecture of the bone, leading to deformities and even worsening posture. Davé, a physiatrist at Indiana University Health and associate professor of clinical physical medicine and rehabilitation at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. With years of poor posture, muscles start to fatigue due to overuse, and the joints they move also become progressively dysfunctional and can start showing signs of wear and tear, such as early arthritis," says Dr. "The human body functions optimally when all individual muscles and joints are in proper alignment, including the spine. Good posture is crucial to prevent common long-term problems of muscle and joint pain. If you're like most people, it becomes second nature to walk around with bad posture or sit hunched over at a desk, and many people don't even realize they're doing it. Remember how your mom admonished you to sit or stand up straight and reminded you that slouching isn’t good for your health? Well, she was right.
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