When excessive slumping becomes habitual it can affect the whole body’s center of alignment and posture. Forward posture causes TMJ, neck, and shoulder disorders. Slumped posture affects breathing by leading to inhibition of the diaphragm and overreaction of the scalenes. Slumping can eventually lead to excessive end range loading and disc degeneration and nerve impingement of the neck and back.
The postural sign of increased tone in the lumbar paraspinal musculature is an indication there is a T4-8 dysfunction.
The arm elevation assessment or wall angel/slide are tests to determine if you have T4-8 dysfunction. The assessment indicates dysfunction when you stand against a wall and raise your arms overhead-if you can’t get your wrists to the wall or you can drive a truck between the wall and your lumbar spine you need to work on the following corrections.
What is a Microbreak?
The Brugger’s Postural Relief position is an ideal workplace “micro-break.” It activates an entire chain of muscles linked to upright posture. The “opposite” muscle of slumping. Try active exhalation to avoid overextending the lumbar spine when performing this exercise.Check out the attached video of the Brugger’s Position a beginners postural exercise needed along with chiropractic adjustments, and therapeutic exercise to manage T4-8 dysfunction.
T4-8 dysfunction is a common source of muscle imbalance, trigger points, joint dysfunction, and faulty movement patterns. While often asymptomatic, it is a key source of biomechanical overload involving the neck, TMJ, Shoulder, arm, and even low back regions.
The Brugger Position should be done at least 2-3 times of each hour spent sitting.
Check out our next blog for intermediate and advanced functional exercises to managing T4-8 dysfunction.
If you have any specific questions regarding exercise reach out and make an appointment so we can help you fix the dysfunction and manage pain.
