The straight and narrow of posture: Current clinical concepts.

BACKGROUND

'What is "good" posture?' is a common question from patients and a contentious topic among health professionals that is further complicated by commercial interests. Reconciling the evidence regarding posture with a patient's individual context is important to optimally manage presenting patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to provide a summary of the latest evidence regarding posture and spinal pain and its clinical applicability to individual patients.

DISCUSSION

This article provides a viewpoint on the mounting yet established research evidence suggesting posture deserves less focus when managing pain, and the importance of understanding when to provide specific postural advice. It argues that, in general, posture is less relevant than movement itself, and creating change in patients' behaviour and beliefs requires understanding, physical examination, clear communication and not necessarily deeming the role of posture as irrelevant.