SOMA Living October 2025

FROM THE DOCTOR TIGHT MUSCLES AND WEAK SUPPORT SYSTEMS ARE DRIVING YOUR SPINE OUT OF ALIGNMENT A detailed breakdown from Banner Health highlights the common causes, symptoms, and solutions for kyphosis, particularly focusing on how lifestyle choices and body imbalances push your spine into a forward curve. Kyphosis doesn’t just affect the elderly. It happens to people of all ages : Julie Barnett, a physical therapist with Banner Physical Therapy, explained that tight muscles in your neck and chest, combined with weak upper back muscles, are the two biggest drivers of postural kyphosis. This describes what happens when you spend hours hunched over your phone or computer every day. There are a number of easy movements to help improve posture and retrain weak muscles. These include: • Chin tucks to strengthen deep neck muscles and correct forward head posture. • Shoulder blade squeezes to activate the mid-back and improve upper spine alignment. • Doorway stretches to loosen your chest and restore shoulder mobility. Treatment outcomes depend on early action and the right interventions: Barnett emphasized that the severity of your kyphosis, and how early you start targeted rehab, makes a huge difference. She recommends: • Correct posture throughout the day with ergonomic adjustments at your workstation • Work with a physical therapist to balance tight and weak muscles • Add resistance training for your back, shoulders and core to build a support system for your spine If you’re concerned about your back health, Banner recommends starting a set of posture-protective habits: • Using lumbar support and sitting tall at your desk. • Taking stretch breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. • Including strength-focused movement like yoga to restore balance. For more information, or for a specialized kyphosis care plan for yourself or a loved one, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Meet the Natural Pain Relievers at South Orange Chiropractic Center Moving people from pain to wellness. Dr. Stephen Levine • Dr. Mark Roczey • Dr. Michael Chapman 60 First Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 973-761-0022 Go to SouthOrangeChiropractic.com to download our FREE E-book on Health and Wellness

Stephen Levine D.C. South Orange Chiropractic Center SouthOrangeChiropractic.com Phone: 973.761.0022

OCTOBER 2025 | SOMA LIVING 21

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