If you have ever brought a preteen or teenager into the office with a headache, or neck, shoulder, or upper back pain then you’ve probably heard me (Dr. Z) repeat my favorite line: “Bring your phone to your face, not your face to your phone!” My younger sisters can attest, I am super fun to hang out with #posturepolice The head down and chin jutted forward posture is the perfect storm of spine and muscle dysfunction that can lead to pain and headaches in the short term and postural distortions and chronic pain down the road. In the first picture, if our trendy model were to spend too much time in this position my findings in the office would be tight pec muscles with shoulders rolled forward and a possible ‘pinching’ sensation at the front of the shoulder joint. I would also see weakened neck muscles on the front that add more pressure to the rest of the surrounding structures. On the back side I would see tight and sore muscles stretching between the shoulder blades and from the shoulder blades up to the top of the neck. We also may get a pinching soreness at the base of the skull (where most kiddos complain of their headaches starting). If these issues are left alone for too long it can eventually alter the way that we move our spine and arms during our daily activities which in return creates poor functional patterns and sets these friends up to be way more prone to aches and pains much earlier in their life than what we would expect. I recognize that the position that our lovely model is demonstrating for the second picture is maybe a little ‘dorky’ looking but guaranteed her spine is wayyy happier!
My second favorite line: “If your arms get tired, it’s time for a break!” Told you I am super fun #posturepolice If you catch one of our angsty friends in a slumped over position with a sad spine and tight muscles, giving them a pillow to prop their elbows up on, having them move to a table to set their device on, or reminding them to get up and stretch for a bit are all useful ways to break the habit. If the habit is already well ingrained and they are complaining of any of the above issues, it’s definitely time to stop by the office and get things straightened out. And while they are here I will make sure to emphasize how cool it is to treat your spine nicely.
