posturen

Posturen, or posture, refers to the alignment and carriage of the human body, describing the position of the head, spine, pelvis, and limbs in space. It covers static postures such as standing, sitting, and lying, as well as dynamic postures during movement and tasks like lifting, bending, or reaching. Posture arises from the interaction of the skeletal framework, muscle strength and flexibility, neuromuscular control, and balance, and it can change with fatigue, injury, and age.

Postural assessment is used across health, sports, and occupational settings. It often combines visual observation with simple tools such as a plumb line, inclinometer, or digital imaging to assess spinal curves, neutral alignment, and asymmetries. Normal posture aims to balance loads on joints and muscles to minimize energy use and tissue strain, while deviations may be compensatory or symptomatic.

Causes of poor posture include muscle imbalance, sedentary work, repetitive tasks, habitual slouching, and structural variations such as scoliosis or lordosis. Prolonged poor posture is associated with neck and back pain, headaches, and increased risk of overuse injuries, though symptoms are influenced by activity, tissue health, and fitness.

Interventions focus on education and exercise. Programs typically emphasize core strength, back and neck extensor endurance, hip and shoulder flexibility, and motor training for alignment. Ergonomic adjustments at work and school, posture reminders, and mindful movement can support better posture in daily life.