Chiropractors devote time, study, and expertise to naturally relieving and restoring the body from conditions of pain and discomfort attributed to several maladies, including repetitive flexion from the overuse of electronic devices. Chiropractors also understand the significance of abnormal spine and posture on the nervous system and hormones. The study proved that abnormal posture leads to lowered testosterone, lowered serotonin, increased cortisol, and reduced feelings of power. Good posture associates with better balance within the nervous system and hormones. Chiropractors improve posture with every adjustment administered to the neck and spine.

The presence and demand for technology to infuse in nearly every aspect of life coincides with an even greater need for regular Chiropractic care for every member of the family. Proper alignment and movement of the spine directly influence the health of the brain and central nervous system. Chiropractors help offset the negative influence of poor posture due to cell phone and computer use. Proper care for the spine and neck proves essential to overall health.

Three key action steps to minimizing the risk of spine and neck abnormalities from technology use include:

1) A Chiropractic Adjustment Plan adjustments reduce wear and tear in the joints and discs, lower tension in muscles, and improve the function of the nervous system

2) Good Posture Habits – utilize tools that support spinal curves and posture when sitting

3) Head Positioning – keep devices elevated when texting or viewing to keep the head in a neutral position

The post Texting Posture Amounts to Carrying Bowling Balls on the Neck! first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Are we really growing horns??

The research evaluated x-ray findings of 1200 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 86 years old. Evaluators call the small bump on the back of the skull an External Occipital Protuberance (EOP). A ligament and muscle attach to the EOP. Researchers found that an extra small bony growth was found at higher incidence in younger adults who had greater degrees of forward head posture. The small horn-like growth appeared to be caused by increased amounts of stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in that area due to forward head posture. As stress loads increase in ligaments, muscles, and tendons for long periods of time, bony deposits form within the body as a protection mechanism.

An increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanies massive amounts of time spent looking forward and down at devices. An adaptive process takes place within the body to alleviate the added weight and pressure being placed on the back of the head and neck. An incredible amount of strain prompts bone to infiltrate the tendon as muscles at the back of the skull work to prevent the head from falling down to the chest.

The effects of forward head posture

Weight added to the spine dramatically increases when forward head flexion increases at varying intervals. A 0° interval produces a measurable head weight on the neck of 10 to 12 pounds. A 15° interval of forward head posture increases weight on the neck by 27 pounds. A 30° interval increases weight on the neck by 40 pounds. A 45° interval increases the weight on the neck by 49 pounds. A 60° interval increases the weight on the neck by 60 pounds.

The extra stress from forward head posture on the neck and skull produce significant effects. Commentary focuses on the shocking presence of the bone spur but the protrusion registers as the smallest of concerns. The process involved in the bone spur formation indicates a danger and concern far greater than anything superficial. Improper head and neck configuration signify abnormalities in the nervous system and dangerous long-term outcomes for a person’s overall health, function, and performance.

These bone spur formations take a long time to develop. Individuals who suffer from EOP spurs began applying stress and strain to the head and neck area during the early stages of childhood. The length of time needed to form a bone spur suggests that sustained improvement in posture and head positioning prevent accompanying effects and allows for correction and healing. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in helping reduce stress and abnormal spinal positioning which promote disease, discomfort, and long-term health concerns. Research continues to alert people to the dangers of overusing technological devices as they pertain to deteriorating effects on the head, neck, and spine. Chiropractic helps relieve the damaging effects of forward head posture while providing education and care plans for the sustained health and function of the neck, spine, and nervous system.
Report

The post Report Links “Horn-Like” Growth on Back of Skull to Phone and Computer Use first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Our spines simply aren’t designed to support our heads that way for so many hours.  Your head weighs between 12-15 lbs.  When supported in good posture it balances well on your spine and skeleton.  When looking down, the weight is supported by the muscles in your neck and upper back and your spine is not doing the bulk of the supporting work as it should.  The result is neck pain from texting, reading and Facebooking.

My advice is “be where you are at”, it is something I need to practice too.  People who email you don’t need instant communication back.  Facebook isn’t real life, it isn’t that important.  Recent research shows that people who don’t use it report higher levels of happiness and less anxiety.  Who among us couldn’t stand a little more happiness and freedom from anxiety.

On top of that, by constantly clicking between apps on our phones or Ipads, we are destroying our attention spans and our ability to concentrate.  Research also shows that in the last decade the average American attention span has decreased an enormous amount.  I personally didn’t have a lot, to begin with so this isn’t good news.

My recommendations are easier to say than do.  Set aside quiet hours and turn your phone off and put it away, at least put it on silent.  Make yourself have to get up to check it and put it on silent so the beeping doesn’t entice you into engaging. Set yourself a limit on how many times you can go on Facebook a day and don’t keep it playing in the background on your computer.  Respond to emails in chunks if you have to be on top of things, don’t check it or respond constantly.

Part of my problem is that I love to read and often don’t do it in the best posture.  If I had to pick between giving up the iPad and giving up the book, the obvious choice is putting the iPad down.  I have been trying to leave my iPad in another room lately while I read.  Mine is old and almost dead and I am really evaluating whether or not I want a new one.  I am starting to think it might be more trouble than it is worth.  As for reading, I read either on a kindle that exclusively is a reader or a book.  If it was a kindle fire with all of my apps on, I would never actually finish a book because I would be mindlessly clicking between things.

So…bottom line.  Put the devices away or use them in good posture.  Your back and your brain will thank you!  If you would like some tips and tricks on how you can improve your posture or if you would like to sit down with Dr. Travis Ring DC of Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic to discuss your health issues, please give us a call at 918-940-4630.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

The post Is texting bad for my neck? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.