Spinal and Postural Screenings as a Preventive Health Measure

Many aches, pains, and even chronic conditions can be traced back to spinal misalignments or poor posture.

Pamela V. Ford, DC, and her team at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center in Carrollton, Texas, recognize that prevention is a crucial component of maintaining good health.

Even if you feel fine, a spinal and postural screening could uncover imbalances early that you can address with simple stretches or ergonomic changes.

Here’s more information about spinal and postural screenings and why they should be part of your preventive health routine.

What are spinal and postural screenings?

A spinal and postural screening is a quick, noninvasive assessment of your spine, posture, and overall alignment. Think of it as an annual exam for your musculoskeletal system.

During the screening, Dr. Ford checks:

• Spinal alignment
• Shoulder and hip balance
• Head position and forward head posture
• Unusual curvatures in the spine (such as scoliosis or exaggerated curves)
• Range of motion in your neck and back

Spinal and postural screenings typically take just a few minutes and don’t require any special preparation.

Why screenings matter even if you feel fine

You might think, “My back feels fine. I don’t need a screening.” But here’s the catch: Many spinal issues develop silently over time. By the time pain or stiffness shows up, the problem may already be well-established.

Just like with high blood pressure or cavities, catching spinal imbalances early means we can take simple steps to correct them before they become chronic or painful.

Benefits of early detection

By identifying postural problems or spinal misalignments early, we can help:

• Reduce your risk of chronic back or neck pain
• Improve your posture and prevent “tech neck”
• Enhance athletic performance and flexibility
• Prevent work-related strain or injuries
• Support better balance and coordination
• Reduce the likelihood of early joint degeneration

Other potential problems associated with poor posture include chronic headaches, poor sleep, and breathing difficulties. It can also trigger stress urinary incontinence caused by pressure on the bladder or pelvic floor muscles.

Conversely, even small changes in posture and alignment can significantly impact how your body feels and functions.

For instance, Dr. Ford may recommend ergonomic changes at work, such as raising your computer monitor to eye level, to decrease the risk of posture-related headaches or back and neck pain.

You may also benefit from chiropractic care or physical therapy that helps restore spinal alignment and improve strength and flexibility.

Don’t wait for pain to start

If you work at a desk, have school-aged kids, lift heavy objects, or spend a lot of time on your phone, you’re a great candidate for a screening. These daily habits can affect posture and alignment more than you may realize.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ford at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center today. Call the office or use our online service to book an appointment.