Does Always Looking Down at Your Phone Affect How You Sense the World Around You?
In a recent study [1] of 120 people, scientists discovered that constantly leaning your head forward - like when you're always looking down at your phone - can actually change the way our brain processes sensations and controls our movements.
Any shifts in the way we perceive our surroundings can deeply disrupt the brain's complex choreography of processing movement information, leading to ripple effects in our overall control of motion. Like stones cast into a still pond, these disturbances can subtly yet profoundly transform our interaction with the world around us.
Chronic pain, which can be caused by conditions like forward head posture (FHP), can change how certain regions of the brain function. This could lead to more excitable nerve pathways and a reorganization of these pathways. When this happens, it might affect how well the brain can process sensory information and control movement.
FHP can alter the alignment and functioning of the neck and spine. It can change how weight is distributed in the neck, impact the flexibility of the neck, and potentially affect the nerves that run through the neck and into the arms. This can interfere with the signals sent from the body to the brain.
In another study by Moustafa et al.[2], college athletes with FHP were observed to have altered sensory processing, performing less efficiently in sports compared to their counterparts with normal head posture. This decreased coordination could be attributed to the stress and strain exerted on various tissues and the altered positioning of the spine.
FHP could even detrimentally affect respiratory functions, potentially undermining the efficient delivery of oxygen to the brain and spinal cord. It sounds concerning, doesn't it?
But here's the good news: a separate study noted that rectifying abnormal spinal alignment could potentially enhance sensory processing and motor control. Given these findings, it's plausible to consider the correction of spinal alignment as a crucial factor for improving sensory processing and motor control.
So what does this mean for you? If you're experiencing symptoms related to FHP, know that help is available. Here at our holistic chiropractic practice, we're committed to your wellness and are equipped to guide you towards better posture and improved health. Don't let FHP hold you back - reach out to us to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a healthier, more balanced life. You deserve to move freely, breathe easily, and live vibrantly. Contact us today to explore how we can support your wellness journey!
[1] FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE AT: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/9/3217
ARTICLE COVER PAGE
Comparison of Sensorimotor Integration and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Components Between College Athletes With and Without Forward Head Posture
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