Are You a Slouch Potato?
You may remember that a couple of years ago there were concerns about health issues associated with playing video games. In particular, wrist and finger pain among children ages 7-12 who played more than an hour a day.
Now, with the popularity of Apple’s iPad there is a related concern. Instead of using these tablet devices at a desk setting like a computer, for which proper ergonomics are well established, these high-tech devices are designed for the more relaxed posture of passively consuming media. Thus, many are referring to such devices as “slouch” media – a term that catches the ear of every chiropractor!
As a child, you may have been admonished to “Don’t slump in the chair! Walk tall!” The reason behind the persistent pestering was based on a classic 18th Century quote from Alexander Pope, “Just as the twig is bent, the three’s inclined.”
Today we see the classic forward head carriage in people of all sizes, shapes, ages and gender. A slouched posture can have neurological effects. Pressure on the spinal nerves can cause numbness and tingling down your arm. Muscles can become unbalanced when the upper body is held in unnatural positions for long periods of time. Shoulder, neck and upper back pain are common as well.
Poor posture is an acquired habit. To break it, become aware of your posture and seek regular chiropractic care.
