10/30/2026
The Spinal Fitness book describes a lifespan arc: C-shape in infancy, S-shape in adulthood, and a drift back toward a flexed C-shape with age.
Its causes, as the book lists them: accumulated strain, reduced movement, poor posture, injury history and loss of curve integrity.
Its position: "That drift is common, but it should not be accepted as inevitable."
The book credits Dr. John Scherger with 2 abilities the S-shape provides:
Effective mobility: moving efficiently on 2 legs.
Effective momentum: moving the trunk forward against resistance while becoming more stable.
As the curves drift, the book states, people shorten their stride, bend forward, brace through the hips and hamstrings, and avoid tasks that need forward drive.
The 7 tasks it lists: getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, catching balance, pushing open a heavy door, carrying groceries, walking uphill, recovering from a stumble.
Rising from the floor is its own lever problem. Getting up from the back, the book states, takes the lordotic curves to stay efficient.
Its answer is spinal hygiene: daily practice that preserves the curves, maintains movement and reduces compensation.
The new article walks through the arc.
The Spinal Fitness book traces the lifespan arc from C-shape to S-shape and back, and the 7 daily tasks that lose force transfer as the curves drift.