We are in full swing of the 21st century with all its benefits but also alarming detriments. All correspondence is now primarily virtual. Interactions between humans, may it be business, casual acquaintances and worse, our more intimate partners has now become smart technology hands-free operations based. With so much time spent in our virtual world, our physical bodies, especially our neck and back, are suffering from diseases inclusive of obesity, migraine headaches and more chronic pains due to our habitual bad postures that we hold while we are “corresponding.”
“Virtual” Pain Is Real
Years ago we attributed that the most unhealthy people were typically those who had careers which required hard, repetitive physical labor, repetitive activities or those who were required to travel long distances in a poor sitting position in a car or truck. The hours, weeks, months, and years with these requirements which were typically done in an unhealthy position had been one of the largest contributors to poor health rather than an impact or accident.
Turn of The Century Change
As the age of digital technology became the ruler of careers and now for many virtual lives and social connections, our time sitting in poor postures has more than tripled and so has the rise in our health problems.
These health problems range from neck pain, back pain, headaches, and sciatica to the onset of many disease processes including obesity.
Although the solution of unplugging from our devices may seem simple, it is not that easy as many of our careers are dependent on them and as long as we are not inconvenienced with a life-threatening disease, we do not act. Unfortunately, hitting the escape key at that point is not that easy.
Re-Boot Your Health
At our practice, we see how human behaviors and our evolution of technology has shaped our society and impacted the way we use our bodies. Repetitive activities with poor posture are at an all-time high and continue to have predictably devastating effects on our health. If we do not implement change in our behaviors, the health of the next generation may get worse.
Because smartphones, computers and the virtual world are here to stay, let us help you begin to re-boot your actions with a few simple tips:
1. Get a standing desk or an ergonomically designed chair, preferably with a properly fitted backrest or better yet not at all.
2. Take regular breaks. Get up every 30-60 minutes to stretch for 30-60 seconds.
3. Do not sit or lounge on the sofa after your evening meal. Stand, stretch or walk for 10 minutes without your handheld device. Here is an added bonus, it will also stimulate your metabolism!
Ready To Help!
Is your future health worth a few minutes and a few minor changes in your behaviors? Absolutely!
If you are ready to improve your health, stop degenerative changes, eliminate headaches, back and neck pain due to work and stress due to your careers; plus increase your energy, call our office today. Our expert team is ready to help you unplug and take on a new real life healthy lifestyle.
For Your Health,
Dr. Salvatore Minicozzi