In this conversation with Matt Bush, co-founder of Next Level Neuro and renowned applied neurology instructor, listeners discover the intricate connection between posture and the brain. They explore how habitual, reflexive movements shape alignment more than conscious strengthening. Matt elucidates the roles of the vestibular system in balance and introduces simple exercises to improve posture at the neurological level. The discussion also touches on the impacts of chronic pain and blood pressure variations on posture, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of neurological functions.
Posture is influenced by involuntary neurological systems and habits rather than being solely a voluntary correction effort.
Muscle tone, particularly resting muscle tone, is vital for maintaining posture with minimal effort and combating fatigue.
Effective posture improvement requires training that targets both the vestibular and visual systems to enhance balance and spatial awareness.
Deep dives
Understanding Posture and the Brain
Posture is commonly perceived as merely how one holds their body, but its complexity involves significant neurological factors. Most notably, posture isn’t entirely voluntary; it is influenced by various involuntary systems and reflexes. The understanding of posture needs to be broadened to recognize that many aspects, including emotional and social behaviors, can affect how we position ourselves. Ultimately, the brain plays a central role in setting and maintaining correct posture and can significantly influence the outcomes of attempts to alter postural habits.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Actions
Actions related to posture can be categorized as voluntary, involving purposeful movements, or involuntary, which occur without conscious thought. The discussion emphasizes that while we may strive to improve posture through conscious, corrective exercises, the majority of postural stability actually relies on involuntary muscular tone regulated by the nervous system. It’s noted that typical approaches focusing only on voluntary actions may overlook the more substantial influence of involuntary reflexes and habitual movements that dominate our postural control. Understanding the difference between these types of actions is vital for developing effective posture improvement strategies.
The Role of Muscle Tone
Muscle tone, particularly resting muscle tone, is crucial in maintaining proper posture with minimal energy expenditure. This internal tension allows individuals to stand or sit upright without physically engaging in constant effort, thus reducing fatigue. Variations in muscle tone from side to side can indicate neurological issues affecting posture and how it presents. Recognizing that tightness felt in certain muscles may not always indicate strength issues is essential, as this may instead signify underlying neurological imbalances that need addressing.
Higher Order Neurology in Posture
The podcast highlights how higher-order neurology, specifically the brainstem and cerebellum, significantly influence posture and muscle tone. The pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) is responsible for setting resting muscle tone on each side of the body, and any imbalance in this area can cause postural deficits. The cerebellum plays a key role in coordinating muscle movements and ensuring balance by inhibiting excessive flexor activity, allowing for an upright posture. When either of these brain regions does not function correctly, compensatory postural adjustments may occur, leading to chronic postural issues.
Visual and Vestibular Contributions to Posture
The vestibular and visual systems are integral to maintaining balance and proper posture, interacting closely with neuromuscular responses. The vestibular system helps to regulate body position relative to gravity and maintain head orientation with the horizon, while vision provides spatial awareness vital for posture. Issues within these systems can lead to misaligned perceptions of balance, resulting in compensatory postures such as scoliosis or tilted shoulders. It becomes increasingly important to incorporate training that addresses both visual and vestibular systems to foster improved postural control effectively.
Practical Approaches to Improve Posture
Various exercises are recommended for influencing the brain areas critical for managing posture effectively, including vestibular and cerebellar training. Key exercises like balance challenges, vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) drills, and compass lunges engage the nervous system actively to promote better postural control. Additionally, peripheral vision exercises must target the midline of the cerebellum for optimal posture enhancement. By integrating specific movement patterns and progressively challenging the reflexive systems in a variety of contexts, significant improvements can be attained in individuals' posture over time.
Do you have concerns about rounded shoulders, anterior pelvic tilt, a droopy shoulder or maybe even scoliosis? Or, maybe you have a chronically stiff neck, tight shoulders, and painful low back and you know your posture needs some work.
In today's episode, I speak with one of my very first instructors of applied neurology, Matt Bush, about posture and the neurologic systems responsible for posture. We talk about the way in which you carry yourself posturally is really habitual, reflexive, and involuntary in nature. We talk about how traditional attempts to improve posture are primarily focused on the voluntary aspect of the proprioceptive system - utilizing tools like trigger pointing, foam rolling, and stretching to "release" tight areas or strength training to improve muscle activation. We bridge you into the idea that the muscle tone imbalances you're experiencing are a direct result of deficits in higher order systems. We break down the roles your visual and vestibular system play in maintaining head and body position, balance, spatial awareness and autonomic control so that you can effectively and efficiently hold your posture against gravity. We talk about key brain areas that are responsible for regulating posture control and resting muscle tone so that you can find a sense of balance and equilibrium posturally. And, we dive into some intro level exercises that you can use to begin to improve your posture at the brain-level.
Thank you to my mentor and co-host for today's podcast, Matt Bush, for delivering such an awesome lesson on the neurology of posture. Click below to follow and work with Matt and his team at Next Level Neuro:
