A very common postural syndrome in modern society involves excessive lumbar and thoracic kyphosis, a forward drawn head, and hyperlordosis of the cervicocranial junction. This is a natural result of prolonged sitting work, especially with computers. This posture is associated with increased muscular tension and faulty respiration habits. When the slumped posture is assumed for sustained periods of time, increased load is placed on the intervertebral disc. With the sternum approximating the pubic symphysis, diaphragmatic inhibition results in overactivation of scalene and upper trapezius musculature during respiration.
Inspection reveals excessive shoulder girdle elevation during inhalation.
The slumped posture should thus be considered a key perpetuating factor of faulty respiration, and of myofascial syndromes involving the upper trapezius or scalene muscles. Brugger's advice to individuals who work for long hours in a constrained, slumped posture is to learn to sit upright, or use supports which help maintain the lumbar lordosis. Abduct legs slightly. Externally rotate legs slightly. Externally rotate arms.