Keep Your Chin Up
From POV Magazine February 2017
Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about. - Author unknown
There are several ways to discuss the importance of keeping your chin up. One is about the postural burden on the neck. With so many of us today having our chins down looking at wireless devices, it has even gained its own name, “tech neck.” From small children to older adults when you are constantly looking down to text, watch a movie or read on your smartphone or iPod, it causes significant stress on the spinal vertebrae, muscles and ligaments of the neck. You just have to look around at the airport, ball game or waiting room to see so many people with their chin down immersed in their phone or electronic device.
There was a noteworthy study done by chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitative Medicine, Kenneth K. Hansraj, MD published in the National Library of Medicine. His study looked at how much load does constant downward-looking place on your spine and neck muscles. When your spine is in the neutral position, the head normally weighs about 10-12 pounds. The study found that with the neck down 15 degrees (forward), this neck position adds 27 pounds of weight to supporting structures. At 45 degrees, it is 49 pounds, and at 60 degrees, it’s 60 pounds. Think of this head-down position as placing several bowling balls on your neck.
The prolonged chin down position has been found to be a causative factor to neck pain and headaches. Some studies have related this form of poor neck posture to breathing problems. Over time researchers say this posture can lead to early wear-and-tear on the spine referred to as degeneration.
Smartphone users reportedly spend an average of two to four hours each day hunched over, reading emails, sending texts or checking social media sites. According to the research, this is 700 to 1,400 hours per year that people are putting stress on their spines. Dr. Hansraj goes on to say, “The problem is really profound in young people. With this excessive stress on the neck, we might start seeing young people needing spine care. I would really like to see parents showing more guidance.”
Besides the importance of recommending better posture, to avoid damaging stress on the spine, the expression “keep your chin up” is an encouragement to someone who is burdened emotionally. The stress of daily living can wear anyone down. Depression, fear and anxiety are growing problems by many. You just have to look at the increasing numbers of antidepressant prescriptions being written, which reportedly has doubled in the last decade.
So what can we do? First, be aware of your posture, especially the posture of your neck when using technology and remember, chin up! Be willing to mention this to your family, friends, co-workers and those you care about. If you want some helpful advice on correct neck posture tips and stretching techniques, consult with a chiropractor or physical therapist.
For the emotional part, take a hard look at your attitude. Do you worry too much? Are your expectations of any circumstance more negative than they should be? Read a book on the subject; consult with your doctor, member of the clergy or a positive thinking friend. Be determined to choose optimism and hopefulness as a way of life.
Four simple words that can make a big difference in your life - Keep your chin up!Top of Form
