We all love our phones, tablets, and computers. But did you know that spending too much time on these devices can be bad for your brain and your posture? Let’s talk about something called “Digital Dementia” and how it affects our bodies.
What is Digital Dementia?
The term “Digital Dementia” was coined by a neuroscientist called Manfred Spitzer. This term is used to describe a condition caused by excessive use of digital technology that results in reduced cognitive abilities. When we say cognition, we often assume it as our ability to think, solve problems, or do our work. However, it is also related to posture, i.e. how we stand and move.
How Screens Affect Our Posture
When we spend hours looking at screens, we often sit in bad positions. We might lean forward, stick our chin out, or round our shoulders. Over time, this can lead to poor posture. Poor posture is not a cause but a symptom. Poor posture is the dysfunctioning of one or more systems in the body that are being either overused or underused.
But here’s the interesting part: poor posture isn’t just about our muscles and bones. It’s also about how our brain controls our body.
Most people think that faulty posture is a tissue issue. Though, in many cases, a faulty posture arises from strained or overused connective tissues and joints, visual/balance disorders also impact how our brain sorts and switches positions.
Ponto Medullary Reticular Formation (PMRF) – The Brain’s Posture Control Center
The Ponto Medullary Reticular Formation (PMRF) is located in our brainstem at a pontomedullary junction where the ponto meets the medulla. It’s like a control center for our posture. When it works well, it helps us stand up straight and move smoothly.
The PMRF includes 8 cranial nerves that handle both motor and sensory functions. These nerves play a crucial role in coordinating ear and eye movements, which aid in maintaining head-righting reflexes and a balanced gait.
When the PMRF functions properly, it inhibits cervicothoracic flexion, which leads to resistance against gravitational exposure.
Patients with PMRF disorders may have an Upper Cross Syndrome pattern, such as a protruding chin, inwardly rotated arms, forward-rounded shoulders, and excessive curvature of the upper spine. These patients struggle with gravity, and when there is no one to guide them on manual, movement, and brain-based therapy, they often end up with symptoms that worsen over time.
In other words, too much screen time can mess with this brain area, making it harder for us to keep good posture.
Signs of Digital Dementia and Poor Posture
Hours of screen time, absence of exercise, and poor body mechanics can lead to bad posture, which can further cause other conditions, such as lack of focus, visual disturbances, depression, poor balance, and more.
When performing a postural assessment as part of my client’s examination, I don’t just look at tissue issues but also focus on how your nervous system is responding to it.
Certain proprioceptive challenges can help identify potential issues, such as one-legged standing to evaluate vestibular (balance) dysfunction, gaze stabilization exercises for visual disturbances, or the Romberg (Sway) Test for cerebral weakness.
Sensory impulses that originate from the neck and the ankles can help assess the body’s movement or sway relative to the ground.
People with Digital Dementia and poor posture might:
- Have a hard time focusing
- Feel dizzy or off-balance
- Have neck and back pain
- Feel tired or sad
- Have trouble seeing clearly
How Can We Fix Digital Dementia and Poor Posture?
The good news is that there are ways to help our brain and body feel better:
- Take Breaks: Step away from screens regularly to give your eyes and brain a rest.
- Exercise: Moving your body helps your brain work better too.
- Postural Massage: This type of massage can help relax tight muscles and remind your body how to stand straight.
- Swedish Massage: A gentle, relaxing bodywork that can help reduce stress and improve how you feel overall.
- Neuromuscular Massage: This massage targets specific muscles to help correct imbalances in your body.
- Eye Exercises: Simple exercises can help your eyes work better with screens.
- Balance Practice: Try standing on one leg or doing yoga to improve your balance.
Remember, good posture isn’t just about looking good. It’s about helping your brain and body work together better. By taking care of both, you can feel healthier and happier.
If you’re worried about your posture or how much you use screens, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or a massage therapist. They can give you more tips and maybe suggest treatments like postural massage, Swedish massage, or neuromuscular massage to help you feel your best.
Let’s take care of our brains and bodies by being smart about how we use our devices. A little care can go a long way in keeping us healthy in this digital world!