Sedentary lifestyles in modern society. The use of electronic devices is commonplace in our environment and in our daily lives. An American telecommunications company developed a 3D model, called Mindy, which reflects the supposed anatomical, structural and postural modifications that humans could suffer if they continue to use mobile phones, computers and other technological devices.
Ailments related to excessive use of mobile phones and other devices.
We do not know whether we will actually evolve as projected in this model, or how accurate it is scientifically speaking, if we continue with these habits regarding the use of technology. What is clear at present, however, is the increase in the number of people with certain ailments and pathologies, related to or derived from the poor postural hygiene and unhealthy habits related to excessive use of mobile phones and other devices.
Increased strain in the neck and shoulder region, for example, is one of the most common consequences of excessive use of mobile phones and other electronic devices. The approximate weight of the head is about 5 kg.
Depending on the degree of inclination of the head in front of the shoulders when looking at the mobile phone, usually between 45º and 60º, its weight can reach up to 20 kg. To give us an idea, it would be as follows "carrying a 4 year old child on his shoulders for several hours a day. Secondary to this overloading of the cervical region, different symptoms can occur, such as: headache, cervical pain, vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, among others, and also at an anatomical level, poor posture can worsen pathologies such as compression of the vertebrae and herniated discs.
Maintaining this posture also predisposes to internal rotation and anteriorisation of the shoulders, leading to a increased dorsal kyphosis. The spine adopts an abnormal curvature which is accompanied by weakening of certain muscle groups, thoracic oppression and involvement of all structures within the spine.
Holding the phone in our hands involves keeping the elbow bent at 90º, as is often done at work to use computer keyboards, but in this case, without the support of the forearms and wrists on a surface. According to the 3D model, if this were to be maintained over a long period of time and with excessive use of the mobile phone, it could predispose one to a ulnar neuralgia with claw hand development due to nerve compression in the posterior region of the elbow, in advanced or severe cases.
It is estimated, depending on the country studied, that ¡we can check your mobile phone 50-100 times a day!
Mobile phones are transmitters of low power radio frequencies. Due to their universal and widespread use, there are numerous studies on the adverse effects they may have on health. At the moment, there are no studies with conclusive results on the effect of mobile phones on health. radiation from mobile phone use in the central nervous system, in the short and long term, including the relationship with the risk of developing certain tumours. Therefore, the WHO cannot take a position or give specific recommendations on usage limits. However, there are many studies assessing the impact of mobile phones on attention span and concentration, mood, sleep, and school and work performance, among other variables, and it does appear that they can have negative effects on these characteristics.
Blue light from screens can produce from insomnia to a harmful effect on the retina and lens cells. According to the 3D model, to protect the retina, a third inner eyelid would appear to act as a filter. In addition, we are seeing a increase in myopia in children due to the use of screens so it is very important to remember, as the American Association of Paediatrics recommends, to avoid the use of screens in children under 2 years of age. In this age group it is advised that screens should not be used at all.
Over time and over the years, according to the Mindy model, if current trends in the use of technology continue, the human brain could shrink in size.
Shiatsu as a healing tool.
However, in the face of this daunting projection and the consequences of the excessive use of technology that we already see today, in addition to learning to limit its use, we have a effective and valuable tool: the Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a manual therapy of Japanese origin that aims to maintaining and improving healthfocusing on the prevention as it helps to balancing the body in a holistic wayIt also improves posture and flexibility of muscles and joints. It acts on the body, the mind and the emotions. As therapists we can and should teach patients simple guidelines that will keep them in good health:
1, A correct postural hygiene in standing and seated position.
2, Exercises of stretching and muscle release.
3, Autoshiatsu y self-knowledge on his body.
4, Promotion of physical activity.
5, In the case of long working days, recommend taking short breaks to stretch the body and teach short exercises that can be done during these breaks.
It is essential to promote a healthy lifestyleThe aim is to be in contact with nature, through a balanced diet without excesses, physical exercise and adequate rest, in order to maintain a healthy body, mind and emotions.
However, given that nowadays it is very difficult to live isolated from technology and it is often part of our work, personal and social lives, it is essential to limit the hours of use and, if this is not possible, to remember the importance of postural hygiene.
It is also our responsibility to be role models for children, to teach them how to use technological devices responsibly and to educate them about health and prevention. The Shiatsu is an ideal therapy for the maintenance of physical and emotional healthto know and understand health from a different perspective, no side effects and for all ages. In the case of various ailments, pathologies and mood disorders, it can help to alleviate symptoms and treat them.
Jyuku Shiatsupractor Onoda Shigeru
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