Lateral Postural Assessment: Head Position

How does a forward head posture affect the neck, chest, and arms?

What is the theoretical consequence of maintaining a forward head posture?

What is the role of the levator scapulae muscles in correcting a forward head posture?

Why are cervical extensor muscles like the levator scapulae considered weak in a forward head posture?

Which analogy best describes how the levator scapulae muscles function in correcting forward head posture?

What might be a possible consequence of neglecting a forward head posture?

A forward head posture affects the neck, chest and ______

Cervical extensor muscles such as the levator scapulae are not shortened and tight, but are ______ and weak

Theoretically, a forward head posture increases the strain on posterior cervical soft tissues and may result in neck, shoulder, and upper back ______

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______

As the head moves more anteriorly, the levator scapulae muscles are ever more ______

In a forward head posture, the head is positioned too far in advance of the ______

A forward head posture increases the lordotic curve of the neck.

Cervical extensor muscles such as the levator scapulae are shortened and tight in a forward head posture.

Theoretically, a forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical soft tissues.

The levator scapulae muscles are like the reins of a horse pulling the head forward in a forward head posture.

A forward head posture may not result in neck, shoulder, or upper back pain.

Weak levator scapulae muscles can lead to a forward head posture.

How does a forward head posture impact the levator scapulae muscles?

Which area is most affected by a forward head posture?

What analogy is used to describe the function of the levator scapulae muscles in correcting a forward head posture?

What is the potential outcome of neglecting a forward head posture?

How can the impact of a forward head posture on the neck be described?

What do weak levator scapulae muscles contribute to in terms of posture?

If the client's hair obscures her neck, either have her tie up her hair, or leave this section of your assessment ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with shortened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors and internal rotators of the ______.

Sitting, allow yourself to slump, exaggerating the kyphotic curve in the spine associated with poor ______.

The zygapophyseal joints may be ______, too.

Muscles that are often weak in a kyphotic posture include the thoracic spine extensors and the middle and lower fibers of the ______.

Exaggerate the lordotic curve of a model spine, and you can see that the bifurcated spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae begin to approximate each other. Structurally, the cervical extensor muscles are brought closer together and are therefore likely to be shortened and weak, and the neck flexor muscles are likely to be lengthened and weak. If a person maintains this posture over many years, it seems reasonable to assume that adhesions would form between joint capsules and surrounding structures resulting in a decrease in range of movement. Could prolonged compression of some of the cervical vertebrae even result in the development of ______ in this region of the spine?

Conversely, if the cervical spine looks unusually flat, this indicates shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck ______.

If a person exaggerates the lordotic curve of their spine, the cervical extensor muscles are likely to be ______ and weak.

Prolonged compression of some of the cervical vertebrae may lead to the development of ______ in the spine.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

Conversely, if the cervical spine looks unusually flat, this indicates shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck ______.

Sitting, allow yourself to slump, exaggerating the kyphotic curve in the spine associated with poor ______.

The zygapophyseal joints may be ______, too.

If the client's hair obscures her neck, either have her tie up her hair, or leave this section of your assessment ______.

If a person maintains a kyphotic posture over many years, adhesions may form between joint capsules and surrounding structures resulting in a decrease in range of ______.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Weakness in the thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ______ posture.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the model spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be ______ and weak.

What muscles are likely to be shortened and weak in a kyphotic posture?

In a kyphotic posture, which muscles are likely to be lengthened and weak?

What can result from prolonged compression of some cervical vertebrae due to poor posture?

Which muscle group is likely to be weak in a forward head posture?

What would an unusually flat cervical spine indicate in terms of muscle function?

What is the potential consequence of an exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine?

How does an exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine relate to thoracic posture?

How might an exaggerated kyphotic posture affect the client's head position?

What is a possible consequence of maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years?

Why might shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors result in a flat appearance of the cervical spine?

How does an increase in the lordotic curve of the cervical spine affect compression on certain structures?

In a kyphotic posture, the thoracic spine extensors and the upper fibers of the trapezius are often weak.

Prolonged compression of some cervical vertebrae due to poor posture could lead to the development of osteophytes in the spine.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of a model spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be lengthened and weak.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is unlikely to result in adhesions forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

An unusually flat cervical spine indicates shortness in the neck flexors and strength in the neck extensors.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic posture.

Shortness in the neck extensors and weakness in the neck flexors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually flat.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine decreases compression on the posterior part of intervertebral discs.

Weakness in thoracic spine extensors is often associated with a kyphotic posture.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with lengthened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors, and internal rotators of the shoulders.

Cervical extensor muscles such as the levator scapulae are tightened and weak in a forward head posture.

To make the C7 vertebra easier to locate when viewing your client laterally, simply ask him to flex his neck, thus making the spinous process more prominent. What Your Findings Mean A dowager’s hump describes this raised area in the C7/T1 junction often observed in postmenopausal women where osteoporotic changes cause vertebrae to become wedge shaped anteriorly. Could the fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction of some clients be the result of poor ______?

From what you have read in steps 1, 2 and 3, are you able to identify which of these clients has a forward head posture? Who has an increased lordotic cervical curve? Do any appear to have elongated necks? Compare the cervicothoracic junction on each. Existing questions. Do NOT ask these: What muscles are likely to be shortened and weak in a kyphotic posture? Cervical extensor muscles such as the levator scapulae are shortened and tight in a forward head posture. Conversely, if the cervical spine looks unusually flat, this indicates shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck ______.

Sitting, allow yourself to slump, exaggerating the kyphotic curve in the spine associated with poor ______. Why are cervical extensor muscles like the levator scapulae considered weak in a forward head posture?

What might be a possible consequence of neglecting a forward head posture? The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______. What can result from prolonged compression of some cervical vertebrae due to poor ______?

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Weak levator scapulae muscles can lead to a forward head ______.

Prolonged compression of some cervical vertebrae due to poor posture could lead to the development of ______ in the spine.

Cervical extensor muscles such as the levator scapulae are not shortened and tight, but are ______ and weak.

A dowager's hump typically occurs in the C6/C7 junction of postmenopausal women.

Flexing the neck can help make the spinous process of the C7 vertebra more prominent.

The fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction is primarily due to genetic factors.

A forward head posture often leads to shortening and tightness in the levator scapulae muscles.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is likely to result in adhesions forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

Protraction of the shoulders is common due to prolonged sitting with arms in front of them at desks or while driving, leading to a habitual __________ position.

The raised area in the C7/T1 junction often observed in postmenopausal women is known as a dowager's hump, caused by osteoporotic changes making vertebrae become wedge shaped ________.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ________.

A forward head posture increases the lordotic curve of the neck, potentially leading to strain on posterior cervical soft tissues and resulting in neck, shoulder, and upper back ________.

Weakness in thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ________ posture.

Take a look at the photographs of the people in step 6 on page 77. If you had to select the person with the most internally rotated right shoulder, whom would you pick? The ______ barked.

Standing, notice the position of your hands and arms. Now deliberately slump, giving yourself poor posture. Notice what has happened to your hands. Do your thumbs and the radial sides of your wrists touch your ______?

Protraction of the shoulders is one of the most common postures you will encounter because many people sit for long periods at desks or while driving, their arms in front of them at a keypad or steering wheel. With time, this slumped position becomes habitual, with consequences for the chest and neck as well as the shoulder joint itself. A forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical ______ tissues.

As the head moves more anteriorly, the levator scapulae muscles are ever more ______.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with shortened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors, and internal rotators of the ______.

Weakness in the thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ______ posture.

What is one of the most common postures encountered due to sitting for long periods?

Why do many people experience protracted shoulders?

What happens to the thumbs and wrists when someone deliberately slumps into poor posture?

What is a consequence of habitual slumping and poor posture over time?

Which body part is particularly affected by prolonged sitting at desks or while driving?

How does habitual poor posture impact the scapulae and humeri positioning over time?

What is a possible cause for having a protracted shoulder on one side and a retracted shoulder on the other side of the body?

Which muscle is suggested to be shortened with an externally rotated humerus?

What is a characteristic associated with retracted shoulders?

What may lead to shortness in the rhomboid muscles and middle fibers of the trapezius?

What is a potential consequence of having a protracted shoulder on one side of the body?

How might externally rotating the humerus affect the position of the scapula?

____ shoulders are less common than protracted shoulders and are associated with the military-style posture.

Notice how you are also supinated at the wrist and elbow and that the other side becomes the leading side, with the scapula protracted and an internal rotation of the ______.

One cause of this might be regularly wheeling a heavy luggage trolley behind on one side, externally rotating on that side. TIP To understand how a protracted shoulder on one side might come about, imagine that you are pulling a heavy wheeled trolley in one hand. Notice that on the side of the trolley, your scapula is retracted and the ______ is externally rotated.

A forward head posture may not result in neck, shoulder, or upper back ______.

An externally rotated humerus suggests shortness in muscles such as the infraspinatus and ______ minor.

It is quite possible to have a protracted shoulder on one side of the body, with the accompanying internal rotation on that side, and a retracted shoulder on the other side of the body, with accompanying external rotation. One cause of this might be regularly wheeling a heavy luggage trolley behind on one side, externally rotating on that side. TIP To understand how a protracted shoulder on one side might come about, imagine that you are pulling a heavy wheeled trolley in one hand. Notice that on the side of the trolley, your scapula is retracted and the humerus is externally rotated. Notice how you are also supinated at the wrist and elbow and that the other side (the side without the trolley) becomes the leading side, with the scapula protracted and an internal rotation of the ______.

A severely kyphotic posture is associated with shortened pectorals, tight intercostals, and perhaps even shallow breathing due to a depressed chest cavity. There may also be shortening of the upper abdominals. Thoracic spine extensors, the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius, and the rhomboids may be lengthened and weak. Weakness in thoracic spine extensors is often associated with a ______ posture.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is likely to result in ______ forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

The zygapophyseal joints may be ______, too.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with shortened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors and internal rotators of the ______.

What may cause an exaggeration in the thoracic curve in some clients?

What can make the spinous processes appear more prominent in a client?

What is a possible consequence of a severely kyphotic posture?

What is a potential cause of a client appearing to have a flat back?

Which muscle group is likely to be weak in a client with a severely kyphotic posture?

What might be observed in older adults, especially those who are sedentary, regarding their thoracic curve?

In a client with very low body fat or atrophied muscles, spinous processes may appear less prominent than normal.

A severely kyphotic posture is associated with shortened pectorals and tight intercostals.

An exaggeration in the thoracic curve is always compensatory, accompanying an increase in the lumbar lordosis.

A flat back appearance in some clients is often due to a markedly reduced normal curve in the lumbar region.

A forward head posture leads to shallow breathing due to an increased chest cavity.

Shortening of the upper abdominals is commonly observed in individuals with a kyphotic posture.

An exaggeration in the thoracic curve may be compensatory, accompanying an increase in the cervical or lumbar lordosis, or both. By complete contrast, in some clients the normal curve in this region is markedly reduced, giving the client the appearance of a ______ back.

In a client with very low body fat or atrophied muscles, spinous processes may appear more prominent than normal. It is a mistake to assume that because you can see these processes, the client is ______.

A severely kyphotic posture is associated with shortened pectorals, tight intercostals, and perhaps even shallow breathing due to a depressed chest cavity. There may also be shortening of the upper ______.

Thoracic spine extensors, the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius, and the ______ may be lengthened and weak.

A dowager’s hump describes this raised area in the C7/T1 junction often observed in postmenopausal women where osteoporotic changes cause vertebrae to become wedge shaped anteriorly. Could the fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction of some clients be the result of poor ______?

Weak levator scapulae muscles can lead to a forward head ______.

Does an abdomen protrude because the person is overweight or pregnant, or it is the result of the person’s overall standing posture and an anteriorly tilted ______?

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of pregnancy or the result of increased lumbar lordosis, or it could simply be excess adipose tissue because the client is ______.

Clients with restrictions in the muscles and fascia of the chest sometimes appear to have a protruding abdomen, quite a distinct change in shape from the chest area, which is tight and ______.

A dowager’s hump describes this raised area in the C7/T1 junction often observed in postmenopausal women where osteoporotic changes cause vertebrae to become wedge shaped anteriorly. Could the fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction of some clients be the result of poor ______?

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

What is a consequence of habitual slumping and poor ______ over time?

What is a potential reason for protrusion of the abdomen in a client, according to the text?

In postural assessment, what might a protruding abdomen indicate about the client?

What could be a consequence of prolonged compression of certain cervical vertebrae due to poor posture?

What impact can an anteriorly tilted pelvis have on the lumbar spine curvature?

In individuals with restrictions in chest muscles, how might the abdomen appear compared to the chest area?

What could be a potential cause of a protruding abdomen in a healthy individual?

A protruding abdomen could be the result of increased ____________ or the person being overweight.

In a normal, healthy person, the abdomen should be ____________.

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of ____________ or increased lumbar lordosis.

Clients with restrictions in the muscles and fascia of the chest sometimes appear to have a protruding abdomen, quite a distinct change in shape from the tight and depressed ____________.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with shortened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors, and internal rotators of the ____________.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ____________ posture.

Looking at the lumbar spine, it is useful to remember that some people have naturally increased lumbar curves and are asymptomatic; others may have mildly increased lumbar and thoracic curves and require no treatment at all. The lumbar spine and pelvis are inher- ently linked. Increases or decreases in the lumbar curve correspond with altered positions of the pelvis. However, it can be difficult to identify pelvic position when you are first learning postural assessment, so observing the lumbar region first is a good place to start. Does the curve of your client’s lumbar region look normal, or is there evidence of increased or decreased ______?

An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted pelvis. For a full explanation of pelvic positions, please see page 76. Increased lordosis in this region could explain pain resulting from compression of soft tissues in this region—for example, if there were increased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs and shortening of the lumbar erector spinae. What Your Findings Mean An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted pelvis. For a full explanation of pelvic positions, please see page 76. Increased lordosis in this region could explain pain resulting from compression of soft tissues in this region—for example, if there were increased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs and shortening of the lumbar erector ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of ______ or increased lumbar lordosis.

Anatomically, a lordotic curve accompanies an anteriorly tilted pelvis, and therefore, the hamstrings are held in a lengthened position. Yet in my experience, such clients often complain of tight hamstrings. Could this be because their hamstrings are trying to pull the ischium back into a more neutral position? The psoas may also be shortened if it is responsible for pulling the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae anteriorly, contributing to lordosis in this region of the spine. An interesting question: Which came first, the shortened psoas or the increased ______?

Exaggerate the lordotic curve of a model spine, and you can see that the bifurcated spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae begin to approximate each other. Structurally, the cervical extensor muscles are brought closer together and are therefore likely to be shortened and weak, and the neck flexor muscles are likely to be lengthened and weak. If a person maintains this posture over many years, it seems reasonable to assume that adhesions would form between joint capsules and surrounding structures resulting in a decrease in range of movement. Could prolonged compression of some of the cervical vertebrae even result in the development of ______ in this region of the spine?

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the model spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be shortened and weak. Which body part is particularly affected by prolonged sitting at desks or while driving?

What impact can an anteriorly tilted pelvis have on the lumbar spine curvature? Sitting, allow yourself to slump, exaggerating the kyphotic curve in the spine associated with poor ______.

How does an exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine relate to thoracic posture? What would an unusually flat cervical spine indicate in terms of muscle function?

What may contribute to the weakened state of the rectus abdominis and hip extensors in a client with an increased lordotic curve?

Why might clients with an increased lordotic curve often complain of tight hamstrings despite their lengthened position?

What role might a shortened psoas play in contributing to lordosis in the lumbar spine?

In the context of lumbar lordosis, what could be a consequence of compressed zygapophyseal joints?

Why might assessing the length of hamstrings be helpful when treating a client with an increased lordotic curve?

What could an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar region indicate?

Why is observing the lumbar region first recommended in postural assessment?

What is a possible consequence of an exaggerated lordotic curve in the lumbar spine?

What might be the impact of maintaining an excessively kyphotic posture over many years?

How does an increased lordotic curve affect soft tissues in the lumbar region?

Why is it important to check for evidence of increased or decreased lordosis in the lumbar region?

An increased lumbar lordosis might require treatment in all cases.

The lumbar spine and pelvis are not linked in any way.

Identifying pelvic position is easy when first learning postural assessment.

Increased lordosis in the lumbar region can never result in pain.

An increased lordotic curve indicates a posteriorly tilted pelvis.

A decreased lordotic curve corresponds with a flattened lumbar spine.

The rectus abdominis may be longer and weaker than usual in a client with an increased lordotic curve.

An increased lordotic curve in the lumbar spine may compromise the correct functioning of the zygapophyseal joints.

The hamstrings are held in a shortened position in clients with an increased lordotic curve.

Tight hamstrings in clients with an increased lordotic curve may indicate their attempt to pull the ischium back into a more neutral position.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

The rectus abdominis may be longer and weaker than usual in a client with an increased ______ curve.

The hamstrings in clients with an increased lordotic curve may be tight due to their attempt to pull the ischium back into a more neutral ______.

Shortening of the ______ can contribute to the development of a decreased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to compression on certain structures in the ______ region of the spine.

An externally rotated humerus suggests shortness in muscles such as the infraspinatus and ______ minor.

An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted ______.

Increases or decreases in the lumbar curve correspond with altered positions of the ______.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

A reduced thoracic cavity is associated with lengthened intercostals, pectoralis minor, adductors, and internal rotators of the ______.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased lordosis in the lumbar ______.

Clients with restrictions in the muscles and fascia of the chest sometimes appear to have a protruding abdomen, quite a distinct change in shape from the tight and depressed _________.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is likely to result in ______ forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of ______ or increased lumbar lordosis.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

____ shoulders are less common than protracted shoulders and are associated with the military-style posture.

Protraction of the shoulders is one of the most common postures you will encounter because many people sit for long periods at desks or while driving, their arms in front of them at a keypad or steering wheel. With time, this slumped position becomes habitual, with consequences for the chest and neck as well as the shoulder joint itself. A forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical ______ tissues.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the model spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be ______ and weak.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

As the head moves more anteriorly, the levator scapulae muscles are ever more ______.

What anatomical changes may be associated with a decrease in the normal curve of the lumbar spine?

What is a characteristic of the lumbar spine for a client with increased lordosis?

In individuals with an increased lordotic curve, what muscles are likely to be lengthened and weak?

What is a potential consequence of maintaining an exaggerated lordotic curve in the spine over many years?

What is a plausible outcome of neglecting an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar region?

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of ______ or increased lumbar lordosis.

An externally rotated humerus suggests shortness in muscles such as the infraspinatus and ______ minor.

Tight hamstrings in clients with an increased lordotic curve may indicate their attempt to pull the ischium back into a more neutral ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

What can an exaggerated lordotic curve in the lumbar spine potentially indicate?

In a client showing an increased lumbar lordosis, what is the corresponding position of the pelvis most likely to be?

What is a potential consequence of maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years?

Why might shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors contribute to a flat appearance of the cervical spine?

What can result from prolonged compression of some cervical vertebrae due to poor posture?

An increased lumbar lordosis may be associated with tightened hip extensors and strengthened hip flexor muscles.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be shortened and weak.

An exaggerated thoracic curve is always compensatory, accompanying a decrease in the lumbar lordosis.

In individuals with an exaggerated lordotic curve in the lumbar spine, the zygapophyseal joints may be unaffected.

The fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction of some clients could be primarily due to poor posture.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to compression on certain structures in the ______ region of the spine.

Shortness in the neck extensors and weakness in the neck flexors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine brings the cervical extensor muscles closer together, making them likely to be shortened and ______.

An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted pelvis. For a full explanation of pelvic positions, please see page 76. Increased lordosis in this region could explain pain resulting from compression of soft tissues in this region—for example, if there were increased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs and shortening of the lumbar erector ______.

A forward head posture increases the lordotic curve of the neck, potentially leading to strain on posterior cervical soft tissues and resulting in neck, shoulder, and upper back ______.

An increased lumbar lordosis can be associated with tightness in the hip extensors and longer, perhaps weakened, hip flexor muscles.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine can lead to compression on certain structures in the lumbar region of the spine.

Maintaining an excessively kyphotic posture over many years may result in adhesions forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine decreases compression on the posterior part of intervertebral discs.

A dowager’s hump typically occurs at the C6/C7 junction of postmenopausal women.

What is the position of the pelvis described as when the ASIS are positioned anterior to the pubis?

In what direction does the pelvis tilt when a posterior pelvic tilt is produced?

What does a lordotic lumbar region indicate in terms of posture?

How can you determine whether a client has a lordotic lumbar region or a flattened lumbar region?

What is the consequence of shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors?

What is a possible cause of a protruding abdomen in some clients?

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Clients with restrictions in the muscles and fascia of the chest sometimes appear to have a protruding abdomen, quite a distinct change in shape from the chest area, which is tight and ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Does an abdomen protrude because the person is overweight or pregnant, or it is the result of the person’s overall standing posture and an anteriorly tilted ______?

Could prolonged compression of some of the cervical vertebrae even result in the development of ______ in this region of the spine?

What is the position of the pelvis in anterior pelvic tilt?

What does a posterior pelvic tilt involve?

In what direction should a client move their groin to produce a posterior pelvic tilt?

What changes occur in the lumbar spine during an anterior pelvic tilt?

How can a client determine if they have a lordotic lumbar region?

What is one way a client can observe their lumbar spine changes?

When observing the pelvis, anterior pelvic tilt describes the position of the pelvis when the ASIS are positioned anterior to the ______.

A trick to help determine if a client has a lordotic lumbar region is to observe what occurs as they perform an anterior tilt and then a posterior ______.

An externally rotated humerus suggests shortness in muscles such as the infraspinatus and ______ minor.

A forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical ______ tissues.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

Looking at the lumbar spine, it is useful to remember that some people have naturally increased lumbar curves and are asymptomatic; others may have mildly increased lumbar and thoracic curves and require no treatment at all. Does the curve of your client’s lumbar region look normal, or is there evidence of increased or decreased ______?

In a forward head posture, the head is positioned too far behind the shoulders.

A protruding abdomen could be a natural consequence of decreased lumbar lordosis.

An increased lordotic curve in the lumbar spine may not affect the zygapophyseal joints.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years can lead to adhesions forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may not lead to the development of compression in the lumbar region of the spine.

The levator scapulae muscles are often considered weak in individuals with a forward head posture.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Shortness in the neck extensors and weakness in the neck flexors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is likely to result in ______ forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

Protraction of the shoulders is common due to prolonged sitting with arms in front of them at desks or while driving, leading to a habitual ______ position.

An increased lordotic curve in the lumbar spine may compromise the correct functioning of the zygapophyseal joints.

The hamstrings are held in a shortened position in clients with an increased lordotic curve.

What does an anterior pelvic tilt describe?

How can a person achieve a posterior pelvic tilt?

What happens when a client has a particularly lordotic lumbar region?

What is a possible consequence of maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years?

How would a forward head posture impact the strain on posterior cervical tissues?

What is a potential outcome of neglecting to address an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar region?

What is a potential consequence of an anterior pelvic tilt on the lumbar spine?

How does a posterior pelvic tilt affect the lumbar lordosis?

What muscle is likely to be shortened in a person with an anterior pelvic tilt?

How does an increased lordosis in the lumbar spine affect the zygapophyseal joints?

What is a characteristic associated with a client showing a posteriorly tilted pelvis?

What is a likely outcome of having an anteriorly tilted pelvis over many years?

An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted pelvis. For a full explanation of pelvic positions, please see page 76. Increased lordosis in this region could explain pain resulting from compression of soft tissues in this region—for example, if there were increased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs and shortening of the lumbar erector ______.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Tight hamstrings in clients with an increased lordotic curve may indicate their attempt to pull the ischium back into a more neutral ______.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine.

What muscle is likely to be shortened in a person with an anterior pelvic tilt?

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine possibly increases compression on the posterior part of some of the cervical ______.

Tight hamstrings in clients with an increased lordotic curve may indicate their attempt to pull the ischium back into a more neutral ______.

Shortening of the ______ can contribute to the development of a decreased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

The fatty tissue deposited over the C7/T1 junction of some clients could be primarily due to poor ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Protrusion of the abdomen could be a natural consequence of ______ or increased lumbar lordosis.

Exaggerating the curve of the lumbar spine when the pelvis tilts anteriorly can lead to decreased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs.

An anteriorly tilted pelvis corresponds to an increased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

Shortened hamstrings are associated with a posteriorly tilted pelvis.

An increased lumbar lordosis is linked to shortened hip flexor muscles.

A posteriorly tilted pelvis corresponds to decreased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture for many years results in increased lordosis in the cervical spine.

What may result in a decrease in muscle bulk in the lower limbs?

In individuals with atrophied muscles or very low body fat, what may appear more prominent than normal?

What is a consequence of shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors?

What is a potential cause of a client appearing to have a flat back according to the text?

How might an exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine impact the thoracic region posture?

Muscles atrophy with ______.

A decrease in muscle bulk might also be observed in clients who are unable to fully bear weight on that leg, perhaps with an increase in muscle bulk on the opposite leg resulting from increased weight bearing on that ______.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Increasing muscle bulk is commonly observed in sedentary elderly clients.

Clients who are unable to bear weight on one leg might experience an increase in muscle bulk on the opposite leg.

Muscle atrophy is more severe in younger clients compared to sedentary elderly clients.

Atrophy of the gluteus maximus is less common than thigh muscle atrophy due to immobility.

An increase in muscle bulk is always a sign of improved muscle health.

Muscles atrophy with disuse. This is commonly observed in sedentary elderly clients and in younger clients who have had all or part of a lower limb immobilised, usually following ______.

A decrease in muscle bulk might also be observed in clients who are unable to fully bear weight on that leg, perhaps with an increase in muscle bulk on the opposite leg resulting from increased weight bearing on that ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to compression on certain structures in the ______ region of the spine.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

An increased lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

____ shoulders are less common than protracted shoulders and are associated with the military-style posture.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

Weakness in thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ______ posture.

A forward head posture increases the lordotic curve of the neck. An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted ______.

Maintaining a kyphotic posture over many years is likely to result in ______ forming between joint capsules and surrounding structures.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine may lead to compression on certain structures in the ______ region of the spine.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

What is the position of the pelvis in ______ pelvic tilt?

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

In postural assessment, what might a protruding abdomen indicate about the client?

The person in the photo on the left is a good example of someone who stands with increased extension at her ______ joint.

Observe the front of this woman’s ______. Can you see how it appears to be compressed, the patella pushed into the front of the joint?

Can you see how if you were to draw a plumb line onto this image, the leg would fall posterior to the plumb line? (Remember that when using a plumb line you position your line just anterior to the lateral ______)

Take a look at the photographs of the people in step 6 on page 77. If you had to select the person with the most internally rotated right shoulder, whom would you pick? The ______ barked.

The raised area in the C7/T1 junction often observed in postmenopausal women is known as a dowager's hump, caused by osteoporotic changes making vertebrae become wedge shaped ________.

Exaggerating the curve of the lumbar spine when the pelvis tilts anteriorly can lead to decreased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral ______.

Flexed knees are associated with tight hamstrings and popliteus muscles and weak quadriceps and ______ muscles.

A flexed knee may accompany an increase in flexion at the hip and an increase in dorsiflexion at the ______ joint.

Hyperextended knees are associated with tight quadriceps and lengthened ______.

Tight quadriceps in a client with hyperextended knees may contribute to anterior knee pain as the patella is pushed against the femur in ______.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

An increased lordotic curve indicates an anteriorly tilted pelvis. For a full explanation of pelvic positions, please see page 76. Increased lordosis in this region could explain pain resulting from compression of soft tissues in this region—for example, if there were increased compression on the posterior part of the lumbar intervertebral discs and shortening of the lumbar erector ______.

What is a potential consequence of maintaining hyperextended knees in standing?

How do flexed knees in standing affect the hip and ankle joints?

What is the association between tight hamstrings and an increased lordotic curve?

What might be a common outcome of pathologies affecting the knee that inhibit joint extension?

How do hypermobile clients typically position their knees in standing?

What can tight quadriceps in hyperextended knees contribute to?

Flexed knees are associated with strong hamstrings and quadriceps muscles.

A flexed knee may cause a decrease in dorsiflexion at the ankle joint.

Hyperextended knees are associated with tight quadriceps and lengthened hamstrings.

Pathologies affecting the knee always allow full extension of the joint.

Clients who are hypermobile often hyper-flex their knees in standing.

Flexing the knee can affect the position of the hip joint.

Flexed knees are associated with tight ______ and popliteus muscles and weak quadriceps and soleus muscles.

A flexed knee may accompany an increase in flexion at the hip and an increase in dorsiflexion at the ______ joint.

Hyperextended knees are associated with tight quadriceps and lengthened ______.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine.

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to compression on certain structures in the ______ region of the spine.

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck ______ can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually flat.

Shortened hamstrings are associated with a ______ tilted pelvis.

An exaggerated lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

Flexed knees are associated with tight hamstrings and popliteus muscles and weak quadriceps and ______ muscles.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased lordosis in the ______ spine.

An increased lumbar lordosis is linked to shortened hip flexor muscles and ______ hip extensors.

Flexed knees are associated with tight ______ and popliteus muscles and weak quadriceps and ______ muscles.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

Weakness in the thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ______ posture.

A decreased lordotic curve corresponds with a flattened lumbar ______.

What muscle group is associated with hyperextended knees?

What is the consequence of increased hip flexion on the ankle position?

Which muscle is likely to be lengthened in clients with shortened muscles and increased pressure on structures of the anterior ankle joint?

In the context of knee joint position, tight hamstrings are associated with?

What is the effect of increased hip extension on the lengthened muscles?

What is a potential consequence of hyperextended knees based on the text?

How does increased hip extension affect the knee joint position?

What muscle group is likely to be lengthened with increased hip flexion?

How does increased dorsiflexion at the ankle affect the knee joint?

What is a possible consequence of shortened quadriceps muscles?

In a client with hyperextended knees, there is a decreased likelihood of degenerative changes to the patellofemoral joint.

Shortened hamstrings can lead to increased hip extension.

Lengthened quadriceps are associated with decreased hip flexion.

Increased dorsiflexion is a consequence of shortened gastrocnemius muscles.

Increased hip extension results in an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar spine.

Hyperextended knees are associated with shortened ______ and quadriceps muscles

In a kyphotic posture, the ______ muscles are likely to be lengthened and weak

An increased lordotic curve may lead to compression on certain structures in the lumbar ______

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine

Exaggerating the lordotic curve of the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture

What might be a consequence of increased dorsiflexion in standing observed in clients who stand with flexed knees?

What is associated with decreased dorsiflexion at the ankle?

Why might clients with increased dorsiflexion in standing experience uneven distribution of ground forces during walking?

What muscle group may experience increased pressure with decreased dorsiflexion at the ankle?

In individuals with decreased dorsiflexion at the ankles, what might be a possible consequence on the knee joint?

Increased dorsiflexion in standing is observed in clients who stand with flexed knees. In these clients, ground forces are no longer distributed evenly up through the tibiae during walking. One might postulate that the consequence of this might be pain and early degenerative joint changes. There may be a shortened tibialis anterior muscle and increased pressure to the anterior aspect of the ankle retinaculum. Decreased dorsiflexion is associated with shortened quadriceps and increased pressure to the anterior of the knee joint. Increased ______ in standing is observed in clients who stand with flexed knees.

Decreased dorsiflexion is associated with shortened quadriceps and increased pressure to the anterior of the knee joint. Decreased ______ is associated with shortened quadriceps and increased pressure to the anterior of the knee joint.

An exaggerated lordotic curve of the cervical spine may lead to the development of ______ in this region of the spine.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

Shortening of the psoas can contribute to the development of a decreased ______ in the lumbar spine.

What is a potential consequence of increased dorsiflexion at the ankle?

Why might clients with increased dorsiflexion in standing experience pain during walking?

What muscle group is associated with increased dorsiflexion in clients who stand with flexed knees?

How might decreased dorsiflexion at the ankle affect pressure distribution during walking?

What is a possible implication of shortened quadriceps associated with decreased dorsiflexion?

Shortness in the neck flexors and weakness in the neck extensors can cause the cervical spine to appear unusually ______.

The hamstrings are held in a shortened position in clients with an increased ______ curve.

What is a potential consequence of an anterior pelvic tilt on the lumbar ______?

Increasing muscle bulk is commonly observed in sedentary elderly clients. As the head moves more anteriorly, the levator scapulae muscles are ever more ______.

What is one of the most common postures encountered due to sitting for long periods? Protraction of the shoulders is one of the most common postures you will encounter because many people sit for long periods at desks or while driving, their arms in front of them at a keypad or steering wheel. With time, this slumped position becomes habitual, with consequences for the chest and neck as well as the shoulder joint itself. A forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical ______ tissues.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin. Toe problems may explain why some clients have problems with balance, especially when these problems affect the first toe.

Increasing pressure on the lateral side of the left ______ corresponds with a trunk rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right ______ corresponds to the trunk rotated to the right.

Stand- ing in bare feet in your normal stance, rotate your ______ one way as far as you can while keeping the soles of your feet on the ground. Notice how the points of pressure change between your plantar surface and the floor.

However, rotation of the trunk may not be the cause of increased ______ on one side of the foot in all clients; it could be due to some other biomechanical factor.

Understanding the biomechanics of feet and ankles is a special ______ of bodywork.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that ______ or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.

SteP 5 Feet Finally, how do the foot arches appear to you?Are they normal (a), dropped (b) or elevated (c)?Does your client appear to bear weight equally between the left and right feet, or is he putting more weight on one foot than the other?Are there any marks on the feet or ankles?Do the toes appear normal, or is there evidence of claw toes or hammer toes?This photo illustrates a good example of pes planus.What Your Findings Mean Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.Toe problems may explain why some clients have problems with balance, especially when these problems affect the first toe.Increasing pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a trunk rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the trunk rotated to the right.TIP You can demonstrate how rotation in the trunk affects feet in the following way.Stand- ing in bare feet in your normal stance, rotate your trunk one way as far as you can while keeping the soles of your feet on the ground.Notice how the points of pressure change between your plantar surface and the floor.However, rotation of the trunk may not be the cause of increased pressure on one side of the foot in all clients; it could be due to some other biomechanical factor.Understanding the biomechanics of feet and ankles is a special area of bodywork.

Increased pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a ______ rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the ______ rotated to the right.TIP You can demonstrate how rotation in the ______ affects feet in the following way.Stand- ing in bare feet in your normal stance, rotate your ______ one way as far as you can while keeping the soles of your feet on the ground.Notice how the points of pressure change between your plantar surface and the floor.However, rotation of the ______ may not be the cause of increased pressure on one side of the foot in all clients; it could be due to some other biomechanical factor.Understanding the biomechanics of feet and ankles is a special area of bodywork.

Marks on the skin of the ______ suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.Toe problems may explain why some clients have problems with balance, especially when these problems affect the first toe.Increasing pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a trunk rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the trunk rotated to the right.TIP You can demonstrate how rotation in the trunk affects ______ in the following way.Stand- ing in bare ______ in your normal stance, rotate your trunk one way as far as you can while keeping the soles of your ______ on the ground.Notice how the points of pressure change between your plantar surface and the floor.However, rotation of the trunk may not be the cause of increased pressure on one side of the foot in all clients; it could be due to some other biomechanical factor.Understanding the biomechanics of ______ and ankles is a special area of bodywork.

Increasing ______ on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a trunk rotated to the left; increased ______ to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the trunk rotated to the right.

Understanding the biomechanics of feet and ______ is a special area of bodywork.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that ______ or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.

What might be the cause of increased pressure on one side of the foot, according to the text?

What can marks on the skin of the feet suggest in relation to footwear or supportive aids?

How do toe problems potentially impact a client's balance, as discussed in the text?

What does the presence of claw toes or hammer toes indicate about a client's foot condition?

How can a client observe the effect of trunk rotation on their feet, according to the text?

What is the potential consequence of elevated foot arches, as described in the text?

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too loose.

Toe problems do not affect balance in clients.

Rotation of the trunk always causes increased pressure on one side of the foot in all clients.

Pes planus is a condition where the foot arches are elevated.

Increased pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds to the trunk rotated to the right.

Compression of some cervical vertebrae can lead to the development of hyperextended knees.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too ______, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.

Toe problems may explain why some clients have problems with balance, especially when these problems affect the first ______.

Increasing pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a trunk rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the trunk rotated to the ______.

Stand- ing in bare feet in your normal stance, rotate your trunk one way as far as you can while keeping the soles of your feet on the ground. Notice how the points of pressure change between your plantar surface and the ______.

Understanding the biomechanics of feet and ankles is a special area of ______.

Increased pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a ______ rotated to the left; increased pressure to the lateral side of the right foot corresponds to the ______ rotated to the right.

Pes planus refers to a condition where the foot arches are elevated.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that footwear or supportive aids are too loose.

Exaggerated pressure on the lateral side of the left foot corresponds with a trunk rotated to the right.

Toe problems have no impact on a client's balance.

Biomechanical factors cannot cause increased pressure on one side of the foot.

Rotation of the trunk is always the cause of increased pressure on one side of the foot in clients.

What is the purpose of Step 6 in a lateral view assessment of the lower half of the body?

What does an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar region lead to in terms of posture?

Which postural characteristic is associated with a kyphotic thoracic spine?

What is a potential observation related to a client with a sway-backed posture?

How can Step 6 assist in assessing a client's condition?

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a kyphotic ______.

Marks on the skin of the feet suggest that ______ or supportive aids are too tight, causing compression of tissues or rubbing of the skin.

Weak levator scapulae muscles can lead to a forward head ______.

Shortening of the upper abdominals is commonly observed in individuals with a ______ posture.

Weakness in the thoracic spine extensors is often seen in individuals with a ______ posture.

A dowager’s hump typically occurs at the C6/C7 junction of postmenopausal women.

Protraction of the shoulders is one of the most common postures you will encounter.

An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine decreases compression on the posterior part of intervertebral discs.

A posteriorly tilted pelvis corresponds to decreased lordosis in the lumbar spine.

A forward head posture reduces the strain on posterior cervical tissues.

An increase in muscle bulk is always a sign of improved muscle ______.

A flexed knee may accompany an increase in flexion at the hip and an increase in dorsiflexion at the ______ joint.

The levator scapulae muscles can be thought of as the reins of a horse constantly pulling in the head, bringing it back over the centre of the ______.

An exaggerated lordotic curve in the cervical spine often accompanies a ______ posture.

How might an exaggerated kyphotic posture affect the client's head ______?