It seems that people with a technology device in hand reading,
texting, taking a selfie and all in the name of immediate social response. Combine this with the overstuffed, improperly
worn backpacks and we are setting ourselves up for a critical storm. These poorly worn and over used devices are
putting undue stress on our spine and nervous system affecting the structure,
function and physiology of our bodies.
The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae. When positioned and functioning properly, the
spine is designed to resist the heaviest of loads. Take away the ideal position combined with repetitive
static loads and the spine becomes weakened and subject to premature wearing,
pain, and stiffness. The compromised tissues structure over time will increase
our susceptibility to sudden injury and even sickness.
Research found that abnormal spinal health and posture leads to
an imbalance in hormones. A study from 2014 cited that repetitive poor posture, particularly of the
head and neck caused LOW T(testosterone), reduced serotonin, increased cortisol
and more. In the 2014 study, published in the Surgical Technology International
Journal, billions of people were found to be using cell phone devices
daily. Stresses on the spine from constantly looking down at a cell phone is
very damaging to short and long term health. This study evaluated forward head
flexion stress on the human spine and corresponding body function. The findings
were remarkable:
*The study
assessed the forces placed on the spine as the head is tilted forward into worsening
posture.
*The study
evaluated the stress using an average head weight of 13.2 pounds
*The weight added
to the spine dramatically increases when flexing for varying degrees. 0°
increased weight on the neck by 10 to 12 pounds. 15° increased weight on the
neck by 27 pounds. 30° increased the weight on the neck by 40 pounds. 45°
increased the weight on the neck by 49pounds. And 60° increased the weight on
the neck by 60 pounds. Can’t grasp the significance of 60 pounds? Imagine carrying an 8-year-old around your neck several hours per day.
*Loss of the
natural curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses
about the cervical spine. The stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration,
and possibly surgeries.
*Good posture is
defined as ears aligned with the shoulders and shoulders retracted. With proper
alignment, spinal stress is diminished.
*Good posture was
associated with much more than just bad backs or bad necks. Good posture helped
increase good hormones. Good posture was linked to higher testosterone, increases
in serotonin, decreases in cortisol, and increased feelings of power. Poor
posture is associated with reductions in testosterone levels, reduced
serotonin, increased cortisol, and reduced feelings of power.
*Poor posture
occurs with the head in a tilted forward position and the shoulders drooping
forward in a rounded position.
*An average
person spends 2 to 4 hours a day with their heads tilted forward for reading
and texting on their smart phones, amassing 700 to 1400 hours of excess,
abnormal cervical spine stress per year. It was also noted that a high school
student may even spend an extra 5000 hours in poor posture per year.
Beyond spinal and
muscle injuries, improper posture influences all aspect of human performance
through the endocrine system. As evidenced through research, poor posture
negatively influences levels of testosterone, serotonin, cortisol, and feelings of power. Bad posture has been linked to a host of other medical problems, including
headaches and other neurological problems, depression, constipation,
and heart disease. At a minimum, constant slouching is likely to cause a
lot of chronic pain.
As technology
continues to govern more and more of societal functions, the need for practitioners
who positively influence posture increases. Unfortunately, most of society
still believes that poor posture is more of a cosmetic issue than a health issue.
Because of this, awareness and education is the key to making change.
Chiropractors are
key leaders to improving quality and longevity of
life in all men and women by improving the health and function through postural
alignment.
Quick tips to
minimize the costly damages of technology and backpacks.
1.
Limit use of
technology
2.
Maintain proper
posture while using technology & backpacks
3.
Do regular spinal
postural stretching and movement exercises
4.
Drink the proper
amount of daily water
5.
Stand, stretch
and move regularly
If you feel
problems are persisting find a chiropractor to do a postural analysis to assess
the potential damages and discuss options for correcting the problem.
Yours in Better
Health
Dr. Russell
Heller
Surgical Technology
International Journal 2014 Nov;25: 277-9. Hansraj, KK.
