Part 2 - Straight Back To Disaster

A straight back is often considered to be the ideal spinal structure. From front
to back, even hips, even ribs and even shoulders are certainly good signs at any
postural check. However, this is only one dimension and we live in a three
dimensional body.

When the thoracic spine losses its gentle backwards curve and moves forward in a
‘pitch’ distortion, we can develop some very serious dysfunctions. This anterior
dishing produces a reduced space between the spine and the front of the chest
wall. This, in turn puts pressure on the vital organs housed inside the chest,
especially the heart.

The researchers, Davies MK., Mackintosh P., Cayton RM., Page AJ., Shiu MF.,
Littler WA., published a study which is listed in PMID: 7267961 in which they
described the straight back syndrome. The syndrome consists of loss of normal
upper thoracic spinal curve. This has been attributed to squashing of the heart
as it reduces the front to back dimensions of the chest.

Straight Back Syndrome has palpitations and chest pain as it’s most common
symptoms. It is associated with cardiac murmurs and radiographic cardiomegaly
(heart enlargement) and has been considered as a form of 'pseudo heart disease'.

These particular authors did not explore the mechanical viewpoint on the
Straight Back Syndrome. They sought to explain it from a genetic viewpoint
because they had found some similar conditions in the subject’s families.

Chiropractors know that, in most circumstances the body will correct itself if
it has muscles pulling in the direction needed for correction. As the thoracic
spine has no muscles pulling from the front to the back, it is not unusual for
the thoracic spine to fall forward and chest symptoms are commonly the result of
this type of subluxation complex.

Think of those people you know who may have Straight Back Syndrome and make sure
that they get chiropractic care.