The basic definition is the name given to neck soreness from endlessly sitting in front of a computer, typing on a laptop or using any handheld technology. The pain is typically in the the cervical spine, which is why it’s called “tech neck,” but it is not limited to the neck. Overuse or improper use of technology can cause pain in the upper or mid-thoracic and lumbar spine as well.
Sitting with our shoulders hunched forward, neck straining at an uncomfortable angle and eyes squinting to read the screen in our hand is, unfortunately, becoming a common position at work or in social situations for people of all ages from 2 to 72, even older. It’s posture that is most often associated with smart phones, and since 92% of all adults own one, it’s safe to say that this habit isn’t going away anytime soon.
Our heads are best carried in a neutral position (the center of our ears over our shoulders), and every inch we move our heads forward puts added strain on our neck. Too much time spent with our heads bent forward over some kind of technological device, beings to create Tech Necks.
There is not going to be a one-size fits all cure for Tech Neck. Gwanseob Shin of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ergonomics lab in South Korea says, “It is difficult to recommend a proper posture for smartphone users. If we raise the phone at eye level to avoid the look-down posture, it will add new concerns for the shoulder due to the elevated arm posture.” He claims that more frequent rest breaks from technology and some physical exercise to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles is probably more practical. While being more practical, is it really reasonable?
Here are a few tips for avoiding Tech Neck:
– Be aware – consciously consider the position of your arms, shoulders and especially your neck when using technology
– Set Time Limits – take a 3 minute break for every 15-20 minutes you use your device
– Set automatic reminders – most smart devices have timers, take a time-out regularly
– Take Action – pain is our body’s warning system that something isn’t right; don’t ignore it.
DeMoss Chiropractic is the healthcare professional trained to care for the spine. If you or your children are suffering from any of the common symptoms of Tech Neck, be sure to schedule an appointment today.
Silent Signs of Subluxation
A newborn baby can’t tell you when something is wrong. They can’t tell you when or where they hurt. Yet, there are signs of something amiss. If you see any of those signs in your little one, be sure to speak with us.
1. Difficulty sleeping – changes in or disrupted sleep patterns may be a sign of a silent misalignment in your infants spine.
2. Positional discomfort or an altered posture – if you notice that your baby is uncomfortable being held in certain position this may be due to a spinal misalignment creating discomfort, resulting in their head being tilted to one side and/or looking over their shoulder.
3. Weak immune system – since the nervous system controls the immune system, many parents report their infants rarely develop colds or infections when benefiting from chiropractic care.
4. Not at ease – often parents notes that when their child receives chiropractic care, their difficult to soothe or fussy baby is comfortable again.
5. Digestion and elimination problems – all of the body’s systems and bodily functions are controlled by the nervous system and spinal misalignments may cause nerve interference, which could potentially be the underlying cause of colic, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or other common digestive distress.
If your baby has any of these six silent signs of subluxations, take a moment today to schedule your infant for a chiropractic screening in our office.
Women, Wine, and Wellness!
Our second annual Women, Wine, and Wellness event is free, open to the public, and will include food, drinks, social hour, shopping, and speakers! Seating is limited, so RSVP today by calling (949) 250-0600!
May 11th
5:30pm – Social hour, shopping, and food
6:30pm – Speakers
Jen Franco, CN, ACN on Balancing Hormones
Dr. Claire O’Neill on Avoiding Breast Cancer
Dr. Bill DeMoss on Chiropractic and Longevity
Dr. Stuart Titus on Cannabinoids and Health
Processed Meat and Cancer: A Closer Look at the World Health Organization’s Findings
Processed Meat and Cancer: A Closer Look at the World Health Organization’s Findings
On October 26th, 2015 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that processed meat consumption is linked to specific cancers.
With this report came an influx of media coverage and online articles with contradictory titles ranging from Processed Meats Give You Cancer to Stop Panicking About Cancer Risk from Processed and Red Meat, Experts Say.
Here’s what we gathered: Yes, processed meat is linked to some cancers, but not all cancers. The primary correlation is with colorectal cancer, but associations were also seen for pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.
Though these findings were shocking to many, it shouldn’t be surprising that heavily processed meats such as pastrami, bacon, sausage, and bologna are not exactly healthy. But what makes this statement by WHO notable is the fact that it was not just one study that found a link between processed meat and some cancers; it’s a conclusion drawn from multiple studies.
Luckily, processed meats are easy to recognize and avoid. For example, you could forgo pepperoni on your pizzas or start opting for fruit over bacon and sausage at breakfast. These are just a few simple ways to say no to processed meats. Likewise, mindfully reducing red meat intake to one or two meals a week can also dramatically reduce your exposure.
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the WHO’s statements concerning processed and red meats was the new classification which placed these foods in the same category as tobacco and asbestos in regards to carcinogenic risk. However, it should be noted that this does not mean they are equally as dangerous. As the WHO website outlines: “classifications describe the strength of the scientific evidence about an agent being a cause of cancer, rather than assessing the level of risk.”
Evidence that processed meat causes colon cancer is as strong as the evidence for tobacco causing lung cancer, but the risk from tobacco is much, much higher.
According to the WHO’s website, 21% of colorectal cancers (which accounts for 3% of all cancers) are likely caused by processed and red meat. If nobody ate any processed or red meat, there would be 8,800 fewer cases. However, 86% of lung cancers are caused by tobacco (which accounts for 19% of all cancers). If nobody smoked, there would be 64,500 fewer cases.
It’s important to stay educated on relevant health topics. At DeMoss Chiropractic, we host health and lifestyle workshops monthly that are meant to keep you informed and healthy. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website for updates regarding upcoming health and wellness workshops held within our practice.
Sun Safety!
2015 was the hottest year on record and experts says 2016 will bring even more heat.
Now more than ever, we need to actively work on protecting ourselves and our families from the damaging effects of the seemingly unending heatwave here in California.
Before discussing solutions, let’s talk about skin cancer. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when un-repaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations or genetic defects.
Only a few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.
Sunlight is our best source of Vitamin D, which is vital for metabolism regulation, boost our immune system, and growing strong bones. Over 1 billion people are deficient in this imperative vitamin, so avoiding the sun altogether is not an option.
So what changes can you and your family implement to be safe from the sun this summer?
Clothing: Sun shirts and sun hats are a great option as a first line of defense. In seconds half of the body is covered and safe from burns. They also cover the most commonly burned areas: shoulders, backs, and faces.
Planning: Have you heard of Safe Sun Hours? Safe Sun Hours (in California) are before 10am and after 3pm. During these hours you’ll find the sun isn’t beaming down on you the same way it would be at noon. During these time periods our skin is also much less susceptible to sun damage.
Choose the Right Sunscreen: Nearly every conventional sunscreen is bad for you and many “green” sunscreen brands can be worse. It’s important to keep an eye on your sunscreen’s active ingredients and familiarize yourself with dangerous chemicals with apps like Think Dirty, which allows you to scan barcodes and give any and every product a grade based on levels of toxicity.
At DeMoss Chiropractic, we host health and lifestyle workshops monthly that are meant to keep you informed and healthy. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website for updates regarding upcoming health and wellness workshops held within our practice.
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