SOMA Living December 2021

FROM THE DOCTOR

THE POSTURE LONGEVITY CONNECTION

Posture is one of the most overlooked aspects of good health and longevity. Research shows a clear connection between chiropractor posture correction vs. poor posture and diminished longevity and quality of life. The American Journal of Pain Management reported, “The effect of posture on health is becoming more evident. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture.”1Fitness guru Jack LaLanne, who was also a chiropractor, put it this way — “You are only as young as your spine.” Posture correction: anterior head movement As the head moves forward, all measures of health status are reduced. Rene Cailliet, director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at USC, concluded that forward head posture can add up to 30 pounds of pressure on the spine and reduce lung capacity by as much as 30%, which can lead to heart and blood vascular disease. He determined a relationship between forward head posture and the digestive system as well as endorphin production affecting pain and the experience of pain.2 Here is a helpful analogy: Imagine your head was a bowling ball and your neck is the hand that holds that ball. Imagine letting the bowling ball sit in the palm of your hand with your arm tucked tight into your body. Now slowly move your arm away from your body while continuing to palm the ball. The weight of the ball will put more and more stress on your arm as it moves away from your body until the weight causes failure or injury to occur. Unlike the bowling ball that can be dropped to the floor when your arm gives out, your head must remain attached to your body and continues its forward and downward movement. Anterior head carriage has been exacerbated by the increased use of personal technology devices including smart phones, tablets and computers. This exaggerated forward-flexed posture of the neck results in neck and shoulder pain, stiffness and soreness. You see it everywhere, at home and in the office. It has resulted in an epidemic of “tech neck,” a problem that is getting worse. Posture correction comes from a proper posture assessment. Identifying where the key areas are that need posture correcting exercise is the difference between success and failure. Looking at ones lifestyle and the habits that go along with that is the first place to start. Breaking old bad habits and developing new ones may require some coaching and advice from an expert like your chiropractor. Visit our website at SouthOrangeChiropractic.com and look up the videos under “about us” and see the blog. Tips on how to stay fit while you sit may be of some help or contact us at the office for an evaluation.

Meet the Natural Pain Relievers at South Orange Chiropractic Center Moving people from pain to wellness. Dr. Stephen Levine • Dr. Mark Roczey • Dr. Mark Sielski 60 First Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 973-761-0022 Go to SouthOrangeChiropractic.com to download our FREE E-book on Health and Wellness

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

Stephen Levine D.C. South Orange Chiropractic Center SouthOrangeChiropractic.com Phone: 973.761.0022 Email: Docdad230@aol.com

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

DECEMBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 23

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