Back pain? Lumbar Kyphosis?

I'm looking for a specific name in which my posture has... acquired, and perhaps some ways to fix it. I'd first like to say that I have gone to a chiropractor, he said that my spine condition wasn't scoliosis, and it was muscular...

But then again... my right shoulder is noticeable lower than my left (I'd say a good 1"), I have back pain, and I know I have bad posture. It's not like a hunchback posture though; however, I do have rolled shoulders and either my lumbar curve is too high (and sudden) or it not steep enough. Either way, I do not have much flexibility in the lower back (just above the butt). I'd say I'm a little chunky too...

Heres a picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21939374@N0...

But, given this, I can't do squats very well... I think it's because I can't really stick my butt out. (I probably have weak quads too, then?)

Anyone know the medical term for this? What about exercises (or stretches) to fix this up? Anything would help. I'm only 19 years old.

Hi Aphetor

From your picture you firstly having nothing to be concerend about. You have a few minor issues...

First - your hip flexors are tight - noticed by a your pelvis being tilted forward. This also accentuates the abdominal muscles creating a "pot belly" appearance.

Second - you have a pelvic distortion pattern where your pelvis is rotated. Assuming that you thought you were standing straight and the camera is level - you can see this by the twisting in your pelvis and shoulders. This also creates your high shoulder.

Third - you have some lower back and upper back joint disruption - seen by your head leaning forward and the change in curves in your lower and upper back areas.

Your inability to do squats relates to all of these, as flexibilty will be poor.

There a lot of things you can do your self to change these. Treatment by a practitioner will not help greatly as you need to change the habitual nature of these. Treatment needs to be daily to do that - expensive and time consuming.

There are some simple stretches, Acupressure techniques and joint techniques that will ease any pain and change your posture quickly. Add in some general exercise and you will see dramatic improvement.

See the link below for some free techniques you can try, and feel free to email me for any advice or tips.

Don't know what your condition is called, but would suggest that you take a look at pilates. Not the t.v. sort. See a physio and ask about it.

I can't tell from the pictures. It might help to have a picture from the back and one from the right side also.