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Texting.....Not Good!

With the new government regulations and PSA's in the media and television, we know that it is very dangerous and now against the law to use a handheld device while driving. But did you know that there are other harmful effects of texting to be aware of?

Anterior Head Carriage (AHC) is something that we, as Chiropractors see a lot in our offices and we spend a great deal of time educating patients about how to prevent and change this damaging posture. Normally, it's been related to excessive computer use and or poor muscle strength and posture but what we are now noticing is another negative trend. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, younger patients aged 8-18 are spending in excess of seven and a half hours a day with some for of mobile media (cell phones, portable video games, Kindle or the new iPad or apps on their iPhones. If a patient has AHC, then they will have rolled shoulders. With rolled shoulders, a concave chest can follow, and often a pelvic tuck (extension). All detrimental over time. Rosner; Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol 3 May, 2010. The following is a list of the detrimental effects that can happen because of AHC:


  1. Long term forward neck posture leads to "long term muscle strain, disc herniations and pinched nerves (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, March
    2. 2000)
  2. For every inch forward head posture, it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds ( Kapandji, Physiology of the Joints, Volume 3)
  3. In regards to respiratory dysfunction in chronic neck pain patients, a recent study "demonstrated a strong association between an increase forward head posture and decreased respiratory muscle strength in neck patients." (Celphalgia, February 2009)
  4. "90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine" says Dr. Roger Spery, Nobel Prize recipient for rain research. Dr. Sperry demonstrated that 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body to gravity. Only 10 percent has to do with thinking, metabolism, and healing, so when you have forward head posture, your brain will rob energy from your thinking, metabolism, and immune function to deal with abnormal gravity/posture relationships and processing. (Rosner; Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol 3 May, 2010)

So, in short our Chiropractors have consistently been teaching you how to have good posture and the benefits of good posture. Now we have another cultural shift, like the computer, that we will have to adjust to, and guard against the harmful effects. The benefits of technology and the ability to stay in touch with family and friends, and the access to information is not negotiable. However, like all respects of life, we must BALANCE the good with the bad. We recognize it's one more thing for you to speak with or guide your children, about but it's worth every once of effort! For more information on posture and how to improve your posture please speak with your Chiropractor or RMT.

For more information please contact info@vancouverbackpain.com