The Impact of Incorrect Spine Posture: Why are we more vulnerable now than ever?

In today's technology-driven and fast-paced world, the need of maintaining correct spine posture has never been more critical. With the sudden increase in sedentary lifestyles compounded by the rise of using digital devices, we find ourselves more vulnerable to the repercussions of poor posture than ever before. According to recent research and studies, the average adult spends more than 10 hours a day in front of mobile phone or screens, whether for work, communication, or entertainment. This article explores and educates us to the impact of incorrect spine posture and the reasons behind our heightened susceptibility.
Our spine is not only a structural framework; it plays an important and crucial role in our overall health. It protects the spinal cord, supports the body, and facilitates movement. When we deviate from this complex alignment, whether by leaning, slouching, or sitting improperly, we place excessive stress on our ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Long spells of sitting at a desk, working on a laptop or looking down at the mobile phone screen are not the best things we are doing in everyday life for our health. All these habits can cause poor posture that can impact on your overall health. This extended screen time contributes to a phenomenon known as "tech neck," characterized by forward head posture that strains the neck and upper back.
Throughout our lives, we experience multiple challenges and tragedies that can result in poor spine alignment. This can easily lead to muscles in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips becoming chronically painful or stiff. The list of additional problems that can occur goes on, but the most common are respiratory dysfunction, acid-reflux, tension-type headaches, bloating, or even constipation. Many aspects of health are affected by poor spinal posture and even our mental health is not spared. It has been shown that slouching can bring a negative impact on people's mood, self-evaluation, or even their ability to think. Well, on the other hand, salient postures appear to convey higher confidence and improved thinking. With mental health being so popular in recent discussions, one should understand the correlation between posture and mind.
In a number of ways, modern technology has raised the number of spine posture problems across all age groups.
The use of smartphones, tablets, and computers had increased in popularity as a result of these advancements which lead to hours of screen time, a more static lifestyle, decreased actual movement and exercise in favor of more screen time and social media and games; which has resulted to rounded shoulders, chronic pain, muscle weakness, stiffness, discomfort and posture related pains for both the young and older people. Such as new one referred to as “TECH NECK”
Disregarding the standard ergonomics of the spine may have an adverse impact on a person’s health. Such its impact is especially pronounced for those working with a computer at a table for a long time. Some of the chronic conditions caused by poor alignment of the spine include chronic pain, caved shoulders, lack of mobility. It also exposes them to the risk of developing intervertebral disk hernias and pinching of the nerve leading to severe sciatica pain. Additionally, spine equilibrium disorders contribute to the formation of degenerative diseases, in particular osteoarthritis over the years.
How to prevent long term consequences?
The sharp consequences of neglecting the spine alignment can be avoided by taking measures to uphold good postures and healthy spine throughout one’s life.
• Sit up straight: If you have to sit at a desk or focus on a screen, think of sitting up in an erect position with your shoulders rolled back and your feet resting flat on the floor. If it is possible do not hunch over or lean forward as these can be detrimental to the spine.
• Take breaks: Try to take short breaks from sitting in one position in order to relieve muscles and prevent stiffness around the spine area. Make a point of including some form of activity during your day like getting up, moving around or performing a few simple exercises.
• Make use of ergonomic furniture: Several types of acceptable furniture for good posture such as an office chair or in fact a desk that can be altered to the user's height should be acquired for the correct posture and spinal positioning. The workstation should be arranged properly to ease tension on the body.
• Good posture habits: Even when you are not actively engaged in an exercise such as looking, standing, or sitting, be aware of your back. Such areas, in order to protect the spine, employ the core muscle groups and do not allow relaxed positions to become slouched or slumped.
• Keep working out: Regular exercises and activities should always be incorporated as they enhance muscle activity and the condition of the spine. Interventions which enhance flexibility, strength and balance should be advocated to maintain good posture.

Conclusion
Poor spine posture does not only lead to physical health problems, but also affects the mental aspect and the person’s overall quality of life. In this ever more digital and sedentary society, posture awareness should be emphasized along with efforts to reduce its negative impact. Once people incorporate the smallest of changes into their lifestyles, such as the use of ergonomic workspaces, the inclusion of movement breaks, or the focus on posture, their health and ability to withstand the rigors of contemporary society considerably improve. In effect, over appropriate posture maintenance, individuals could avert the adverse effects of prolonged improper spine positioning, thus allowing the affected person to lead a healthier and more active life. Remember, the spine is the backbone of the human body – protect it!

(Article courtesy: Dr. Vishal Patil , Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon , DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune)