While modern computer technology allows most of us to be more productive than ever, extended periods spent sitting in front of a screen can have longer-term implications for spinal health and posture. It’s probably no exaggeration to say that today we are facing an epidemic of poor posture, and sadly this means a great deal more associated neck and back pain!
Symptoms
There are two main types of poor posture we see at the clinic – the first type is poor posture associated with another condition, such as an injury, spinal condition, or even just with ageing. The second and most common issue is poor posture related to our working conditions and overuse of electronic devices – this kind of poor posture is sometimes called “text neck”.
Text neck is simply the term used to describe neck pain associated with looking down at electronic devices – in actual fact, it’s often difficult to separate out cases of “Text neck” from other causes of neck pain – too much time texting or typing might be the root cause of a problem in some cases, but in others, it could just be another contributory factor.
Of course, this head down posture does not occur only when texting. For years, many of us have preferred to look down to read, to sew, or for any number of other tasks. The problem with texting is that it adds yet one more activity that causes us to look down very frequently—and people tend to do it for much longer periods. It is especially concerning because young and growing children could possibly cause permanent damage to their cervical spines that could lead to lifelong neck pain. Indeed, A recent study shows that 79% of the population between the ages 18 and 44 have their cell phones with them almost all the time—with only 2 hours of their waking day spent without their cell phone on hand.[1]
Whether directly related to text neck or not, in children and adolescents neck pain is the most common spinal pain typically reported.[2] with one study showing that as many as 60% of young people experience persistent neck pain lasting up to two years.[3]
Treatment
Treatment for poor posture depends on the underlying issue – where a spinal condition or injury is responsible, treatment will focus on resolving this issue first with Chiropractic care being the first option of choice. Where poor posture is more closely linked to muscular imbalances, a combination program of Chiropractic Biophysics and an individualised home exercise program is often the best approach.
Why choose Complete Chiropractic?
Making long term changes to posture can be much more difficult than you might expect – while chiropractic treatment can certainly correct the imbalances and misalignments which often develop in the spine as a result, without addressing any imbalances in the supporting musculature it is likely that the same issues will quickly reoccur. While some clinics may just provide an adjustment and send you on your way, at Complete Chiropractic we’ll support you throughout the process of postural change and optimisation, from start to finish with a view to full correcting all elements of your problem.
[1] IDC, Always Connected How Smartphones And Social Keep Us Engaged (2017)
[2] Mikkelsson M, Salminen JJ, Kautiainen H. Non-specific musculoskeletal pain in preadolescents. Prevalence and 1-year persistence. Pain. 1997; 73:29–35.
El-Metwally A, Salminen JJ, Auvinen A, Macfarlane G, Risk factors for development of nonspecific musculoskeletal pain in preteens and early adolscents: a prospective 1-year follow-up study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disord. 2007;8:46.
[3] Aartun E, Hartvigsen J, Wedderkopp N, Hestbaek L. Spinal Pain in Adolescents: Prevalence, Incidence, and Course: A School-based Two-year Prospective Cohort Study in 1,300 Danes Aged 11-13
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 (May 29); 15: 187