Both mental and physical health problems can either be caused or exacerbated by poor posture. There are ample scientific studies on this relationship as well as biofeedback devices developed to help remind us when we slouch. Rather than go into these areas, I want to address some factors that cause this ever-increasing problem affecting our wellbeing.
As I have mentioned in earlier articles, my approach in treatment of pain and dysfunction is holistic. Simply put, I study everything about the patient that could possibly contribute to why that patient has come to me for help. A holistic approach is never limited to modern medicine, for ancient medicine, in many cases, is far more effective and less threatening to the patient’s health, happiness, and life.
In my TMJ practice I have found a remarkable increase in neck, shoulder, and back pain, in addition to myofascial, headache, and joint pain. A holistic look at the public, in general, demonstrates an incredible increase in slouching. Some of it is caused by the introduction of backpacks to even very young students. In earlier cultures, loads were carried on heads, causing a person to stand up straight. People only looked down for food, obstacles in their path, or footprints. Now the excessive use of cell phones, social media devices, games, and computers have resulted in excessive slouching.
Any time there is a sudden change of human activity and posture that has existed for endless years, it’s logical to expect this could trigger a negative response to health, both mental and physical.
I recently took part in a big game fishing tournament in Mexico. There was no WiFi at the location which forced otherwise too busy businessmen to talk to each other. I got to have conversations with some very interesting men and women and learned about their businesses and their lives and we became international friends. Wi-Fi would have prevented this. In coffee shops we have the same problem; everyone is looking at their cell phone, thus they don’t get to know each other. In addition, challenges that could be shared don’t get discussed which opens another door to mental health and social problems.
In the November 2019 edition of the Townsend Letter, “The Examiner of Alternative Medicine,” they introduce a biofeedback device—the “Upright Go 2.” This device, when applied to one’s back, vibrates when one slouches. When this device was used to treat one group along with a control group not using it, the study showed “significantly improved physical and mental health scores” for the group using the device.
In my practice at Advanced Oral Diagnosis & Treatment Center, when we’re dealing with patients suffering from chronic pain, we know their physical and mental health are major factors to consider. As you can easily understand, the holistic approach is far more complicated and time consuming than “let me give you something for your condition.” For more information about my practice, please visit: www.aodtc.com or call 925-837-8048. I specialize in TMJ therapy and custom made oral devices to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
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