Postural Decline: Neurologic Impact and Public Health Consequences

Postural Decline: Neurologic Impact and Public Health Consequences” will provide chiropractors with a clear understanding of the impact of postural decline from a structural and neurological perspective.” 82% of the population currently presents with postural distortion patterns, and more than 70% of school-aged children present with moderate to severe forward head posture. These public health statistics will be matched with an evidence-based review of how postural decline impacts neurologic function.

Doctors will learn the postural presentations of neurological disorders such as cognitive decline, Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular disorders, and more. Practitioners will learn that postural decline and abnormal gait patterns are often early signs of neurodegeneration that can be corrected before neurodegenerative symptoms worsen.

The audience will also learn the role of posture and balance in longevity. Research demonstrates that hyperkyphotic posture is associated with early mortality, and further research demonstrates that postural instability, the inability to perform single-leg stance for 10 seconds or longer, is associated with an 84% higher risk of all-cause mortality.

By viewing this educational presentation, practitioners will clearly understand the public health impact of postural distortion patterns and their evidence-based implications of neurologic deficits and decreased longevity. They will also learn simple to implement clinical posture assessment and postural correction protocols that they can implement in addition to their adjustments to improve patient outcomes.

This presentation will be evidence-based, clinical, and relevant to the public health imperative of correcting posture at a societal level better neurologic outcomes and to improve quality and quantity of life.

Learning Objectives:

Objective 1: The public health impact of postural distortion patterns and why it is a public health imperative to correct posture at a societal level.

Objective 2: The evidence-based connection between postural distortion patterns and neurological decline.

Objective 3: The evidence-based connection between postural distortion patterns and postural instability and all-cause mortality.

 Objective 4: How to perform posture assessments and how to assess early signs of neurological dysfunction.

Objective 5: How to implement structural and neurological posture rehabilitation to enhance clinical outcomes for long-term postural correction results.

Hourly Breakdown:

 0-10 minutes: Public health statistics relevant to the impact of postural decline and chronic pain.

10- 20 minutes: Evidence-based research review of the impact of posture on neurologic function and longevity.

20-30 minutes: Demonstrate examples of poor gait and posture relevant to common neurological disorders.

30-40 minutes: How to perform posture assessments and a structural and neurological explanation of common postural distortion patterns including forward head posture, hyperkyphosis, and pelvic tilt.

40-55 minutes: How to implement structural and neurological posture rehabilitation exercises to support their chiropractic adjustments and improve clinical outcomes. Practitioners will also learn how to implement modalities to support long-term postural correction results.

55-59 minutes:  Conclusion and review of key takeaways for implementation.

This course is presented as part of the ACA Engage 2026 educational programming. 

This course is worth 1 CE credit in ACA-approved and PACE-accepted states. CEUs have been applied for in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. 

View a list of accepted and approved states. 

PACE ID: IP123263