Why Lower Thoracic Support?
YogaBack's Adjustable Lower Thoracic Support corrects the main cause of a round back, round shoulders, and forward head posture-- the hinging forward and downward of the rib cage due to flexion of the lower thoracic spine.
The T10 - T12 area ( just below the shoulder blades) is called the "hinge area" for spinal flexion (Figure D).
Figure D Circle denotes area of the thoracic spine responsible for the hinging forward of the rib cage towards the pelvis. Adapted from Bennett, H.E.: School Posture and Seating. Boston, Ginn and Company, 1928. |
 |
YogaBack's Lower Thoracic Support, adjustable to support any individual's T10 -T12 region...
- Elevates the rib cage.
- Elongates the thoracic spine.
- Promotes a reflex activation of the diaphragm through the isolated pressure stimulation to the lower thoracic region of the back ( called the intercostal-to-phrenic reflexes).
- Promotes activation of the lower thoracic erector spinae -- the overlooked area of the back where the extensor mechanism of the spine is the weakest. Most individuals have little postural awareness and muscle control of the thoracic spine as compared to the cervical spine and lumbar spine.
- Reduces stress to the neck/upper back and mid-back.
The vast majority of individuals have never experienced the immediate and dramatic benefits of sitting with an isolated lower thoracic support. Unfortunately, most individuals have been distorting their posture and breathing for years with lumbar support and/or upper thoracic support.
References
Alexander, C.J.: Scheuermann’s disease. Skeletal Radiology, 1:209-221, 1977.
Branton, P.: Backshapes of seated persons—how close can the interface be designed? Applied Ergonomics, 15:105-107, 1984.
Decima, E.E., von Euler, C., and Thoden, U.: Intercostal-to-phrenic reflexes in the spinal cat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 75:568-579, 1969.
Humphry, G.M.: A Treatise on the Human Skeleton. Cambridge, MacMillan, 1858.
Leanderson, R., Sundberg, J., and von Euler, C.: Role of diaphragmatic activity during singing: a study of transdiaphragmatic pressures. Journal of Applied Physiology, 62:259-270, 1987.
Markolf, K.L.: Deformation of the thoracolumbar intervertebral joints in response to external loads. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 54-A:511-533, 1972.
Remmers, J.E.: Extra-segmental reflexes derived from intercostal afferents: phrenic and laryngeal responses. Journal of Physiology, 233:45-62, 1973.
Romaniuk, J.R., Supinski, G.S., and DiMarco, A.F.: Reflex control of diaphragm activation by thoracic afferents. Journal of Applied Physiology, 75:63-69, 1993.
Vulcan, A.P., King, A.I., and Nakamura, G.S.: Effects of bending on the vertebral column during +Gz acceleration. Aerospace Medicine, 41:294-300, 1970.
Wiles, P.: Postural deformities of the anteroposterior curves of the spine. The Lancet, 1:911-919, April 17, 1937.
Zacharkow, D.: Posture: Sitting, Standing, Chair Design and Exercise. Springfield, Thomas, 1988.