Question

Explain any five postural deformities.

Answer 1

Postural deformity is a malformation or deviation in the alignment of any body part or joint caused by poor posture, heredity, illness, injury, faulty habits, improper clothing, unhealthy diet, obesity or lack of exercise. Five common postural deformities are:

1. Knock Knees (Genu Valgum): The legs bend inward and the knees strike each other while walking or running, leaving a gap of about 3-4 inches between the ankles. Causes include rickets, childhood obesity, muscle or ligament weakness, vitamin D/calcium/phosphorus deficiency, faulty standing posture, improper shoes and flat foot. Corrective measures include horse riding, Padmasana, Gomukhasana, outward walking, keeping a pillow between the knees and walking along a straight line with knees facing outward.
2. Flat Foot (Pes Planus): The arch of the foot is lower than normal or absent, so the whole sole gives a print on the ground. Causes include weak muscles, increased body weight, improper shoes, carrying heavy weight, prolonged standing and tarsal coalition. Corrective measures include walking, standing and jumping on toes and heels, rope skipping, picking up marbles with the toes, writing numbers in sand with the toes, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Vajrasana and therapeutic foot massage.
3. Round Shoulders: The shoulders move forward from their ideal alignment, making the upper back appear rounded. Causes include slouching, prolonged use of smartphones/computers, muscle imbalance, tight ill-fitting clothes, improper furniture, heredity and injury. Corrective measures include practising correct erect posture, shoulder rotations, chest stretches, planks, pull-ups, reverse shoulder stretch and yoga asanas like Chakrasana, Dhanurasana, Bhujangasana and Ushtrasana.
4. Kyphosis: It is an exaggerated outward rounding of the upper back, more than 50 degrees, commonly called hunch back or round upper back. Causes include malnutrition, carrying heavy loads, improper furniture, weak muscles, bending while walking, tight shapeless clothes, heredity and age-related spinal weakness. Corrective measures include back-strengthening and stretching exercises, swimming, gym ball and resistance band exercises, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana, Bhujangasana, firm bed with thin pillow and foam rolling.
5. Scoliosis: The spine curves sideways instead of remaining straight when viewed from the back; the curve may be C-shaped or S-shaped and one shoulder may appear higher. Causes include birth defects, wear and tear of the spine, difference in leg lengths, lifting weight on one side, wrong posture, unsuitable furniture and weakening of spinal muscles on one side. Corrective measures include hanging from a horizontal bar, breaststroke swimming, bending exercises on the opposite side of the curve and Trikonasana/Adhomukhasana in the opposite direction.