Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2024
50 • Massage Therapy Journal
AMTA Continuing Education
How the Whole Being Can Be Affected By TNS TNS extends its impact beyond the physical realm, influencing various aspects of the body, brain chemicals, and mental and emotional health. The immediate consequence is evident in the musculoskeletal system, with chronic neck pain, muscle tightness and low-level spasms. These physical manifestations occur as supporting musculature attempts to reorient the head or stabilize the spine after subluxations or ligament strain. Osteoarthritis, inflammation and bony changes in the cervical spine, hands and fingers become prevalent, contributing to decreased mobility and increased discomfort in the upper body, including complications like bulging discs, spinal deformities and radicular pain traveling to the hands and fingers. The impact on the upper body extends further, creating conditions like TMJD, thumb arthritis, tendinitis and swelling. The effects can even reach the respiratory system, reducing lung capacity and respiratory muscle function, leading to issues like increased asthmatic symptoms, anxiety and heart issues. Beyond the physical toll, this syndrome often affects brain chemistry and mental/emotional well-being. The addictive nature of mobile devices coupled with the blue light emitted can result in lowered levels of serotonin, dopamine and melatonin, leading to feelings of depression and insomnia. Nomophobia, the fear or anxiety associated with not having your device accessible at all times, shows the psychological dependency that has been cultivated by a culture expecting constant connectivity. This fosters a disturbance in various aspects of life—from work to school to hobbies and relationships. Mental and emotional well-being is affected. Gastrointestinal issues, compromised vagus nerve activation and increased cortisol levels further contribute to the intricate web of health consequences. Researchers are seeing many psychosocial issues in youth with TNS. The developing brain As TNS progresses, more chronic and widespread effects are often noticed.
is being affected by excessive screen time and decreased activities in real life. Some recent studies show a decrease in white matter in our brain’s language centers. 24 Others are showing impaired development of the prefrontal cortex, resulting in impatience, poor decision-making and lack of self governance, for some examples. 24 Each time we answer an alert or see a friend’s “like” on our post a “dopamine hit” is released, and it’s because of this constant activation of the reward system that the brain finds it harder and harder to make and sustain even levels of dopamine in response to other off-line behaviors. It makes sense then, that there is a correlation between attention problems and smartphone usage. 9 Other imbalances in neurohormones are altering mood and daily behaviors in other ways, some yet to be uncovered by science. As you are starting to see, TNS encapsulates a complex interplay of physical strain, mental well-being and societal dynamics, which emphasizes the need for holistic approaches that treat the mind-body-spirit. Besides hands on work, you may be able to help your clients understand their habits and posture and the reasons why technology can cause myriad issues in their lives. Postural Considerations in Early versus Later Stages of TNS Early stage postures. In the initial phases of TNS, you might first notice a forward head posture, where the head is subtly dropped, flexed or shifted forward. This position usually places the cervical spine in a mildly flexed state, creating increased stress on the supporting structures. At this point, individuals may not experience pronounced discomfort, but subtle signs such as occasional neck tightness or stiffness may manifest. The musculature, particularly the posterior neck muscles, are engaged in an attempt to counterbalance the forward pull, but the strain is relatively mild. This is typically where clients first feel neck pain—in the posterior muscles that are overstretched and working all day to pull the head back over the spine.
The addictive nature of mobile devices coupled with the blue light emitted can result in lowered levels of serotonin, dopamine and melatonin, leading to feelings of depression and insomnia.
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