Spine, Back & Neck
Postural Kyphosis
An increased forward curve of the upper back related to posture rather than structure.
Also called: Rounded upper back, Kyphosis.
Postural kyphosis is a flexible rounding of the upper back, in contrast to structural forms that do not change with position. It commonly travels with a forward head position and tight chest musculature.
Because it is flexible, it often looks different depending on whether a person is standing relaxed, standing tall, or lying down, which helps distinguish it from a fixed structural curve.
Why this matters
Breathing mechanics, shoulder movement and neck load are all affected by how the upper back is carried.
Over time, sustained rounding can make it harder to fully extend the upper back or lift the arms overhead comfortably.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Posture is an output of the nervous system as much as a habit, which is why we assess it rather than simply correcting it verbally.
Muscle tone and postural control are set by ongoing input from the nervous system, so evaluating how the body actually holds itself under load is more useful than a verbal reminder to sit up straight.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.