I have spoken and taught frequently about anterior head carriage, aka tech neck, a sign of the changing times with the ever increasing use of screen time. Historically more prevalent in elderly populations as they lean forward to accommodate for hearing loss and visual decline, it’s now showing up earlier in all ages, especially in young children and teens thanks to mobile devices. Now, thanks to 2020, add in the additional changes of excessive work and school laptop use, online learning, and Zoom meetings.
Postural misalignments like tech neck are actually changing the way people think and process. At a symposium I attended several years ago, a split screen depicted two images, one of a typical teen posture and the other an older gentlemen known to have Parkinson’s disease. The similarities were eerie. There is a strong understanding that states “structure determines function” and viewing this all too common image in today’s world should be a wake up call to sit up straight and tall as our moms often reminded us, lest we start losing good health from the moment of our first Nintendo and cellphone.
The correct alignment of the spine allows for protection and unimpeded flow of the nerves for all brain processing.
Take this simple test then, please, try it with your children. Stand up straight and comfortably in your normal stance. Have someone observe you from the side view. The front of the ear (Tragus) to mid shoulder, hip, and ankle bone should appear in alignment.
As the head weighs approximately 10-12lbs, any carriage forward of that ear/shoulder lineup alters nerve flow at the brain stem, tenses shoulder muscles to work harder, and transfers additional stress and tension to the low back, ultimately distorting ease and flexibility and function.
For more information, visual aids, and memes to help you check your children for this spinal change, visit LookUp America.
Doctor means teacher. I am passionate about sharing the importance of living vibrantly with a clear unimpeded nerve system pathway, especially in these unique times. If you’d like me to share with your community group, either safely in-person or virtually, please contact me at drnalyn@gmail.com or call me at 610-974-8900.