What effects does technology have on our brains.

In the days before technology when we would read strictly from books, we had to use our imagination to create pictures in our mind about the characters, the scenery, colors, buildings, etc. We might have even imagined certain sounds like birds chirping or cars crashing. This use of imagination would exercise the right side of our brain. In today’s world of on-demand information and technology, the right side of our brain does not get used as often. This can lead to “right brain deficit” and an imbalance in brain development and/or function.

Right Brain deficit

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·        Perception- “Left-side neglect”; this means that they will not see objects or people on their left side or they may have trouble reading words on the left side of a page.

·        Reasoning and problem solving- may not recognize that there is a problem or how to solve a problem.

·        Memory- may not remember information learned or may have trouble learning new information.

·        Social communication- may not be able to understand jokes or nonverbal cues.

·        Organization- may have trouble putting information together logically or may have trouble planning or forgets to respond to calls, texts or e-mails.

·        Insight- may not recognize that they have any problems or, may not realize that their problems cause trouble at home, school, or work.

·        Orientation- may have problems knowing the date, time, or where they are.

Excessive use of technology weakens the frontal lobe. We can have impulsivity, lose attention on tasks, failure to focus and executive function and organizational skills, losing rational and reasoning. The frontal lobe changes in the teens and into the twenties and video games and technology can affect the development of the frontal lobe. The gray matter in the brain shrinks from too much tech and gaming.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218

https://www.littlethings.com/reasons-not-to-give-children-technology/1

Digital Dementia is a term coined by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer to describe an overuse of digital technology resulting in the breakdown of cognitive abilities.

Tech Neck Not only is our posture being compromised with more time being spent on technological devices but our overall health is suffering as well. Poor posture results in mechanical dysfunction of the spine which not only leads to pain, but also to poor neurological “messaging” from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body.

Tech Buzz: Cocaine, sugar and technology- what do they all have in common?! They will all increase the “feel good” chemical in the brain called dopamine. Several studies show that urges or cravings for gaming will produce changes in the brain similar to those as drug cravings. Therefore, it is easy to get addicted to gaming.

How to reduce the effects of technology in you and your children:

·        Take time to experience nature

·        No tech before 2 and reduced tech before 5 years old

·        Monitor your teens tech time closely

·        Incorporate movement breaks, especially after gaming

·        Advocate free play and creative play (for both children & adults!)

·        Practice good sleep hygiene- turn off all digital in the bedroom and at night

·        Reduce devices at least one hour prior to bed and do not sleep with digital devices in bed or nearby

·        Practice mindfulness

·        Dim the brightness on your digital device and use blue light screen protectors such as install f.lux on your devices

·        Advocate human contact/bonding/communication

·        Employ An “Electronic Fast” & “Screen Free Zones”

·        Practice good posture

·        Get regular chiropractic adjustments for your health!

·        Add an app that looks at you screen time and reduce it by 20% each day to a health amount.

·        Set a timer when on social media for 5-10 min, when the timer goes off stop scrolling, this will reduce the time you are on it and make you aware of the time sucking social media scroll.

Dr. Joelle Johnson is located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive in Red Deer 403-347-3261. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. www.family1stchiro.ca

Forward Heads Increase Head Weight

Neck pain can be a recurring condition that can frustrating to most patients. The simple anatomical answer is because holding your head up is like trying to balance a bowling ball on the end of a pool cue. This presents a challenges for the neck.    

Most common answers from patients experiencing neck pain: Poor sleeping positions, poor desk posture, using mobile phones/ipads, gardening, previous motor vehicle accidents, and over head decorating.

Bottom line is that we humans have very large heads that was designed to protect our very large brains. Head position is to be held high to scan the horizon looking for food and danger. In today’s world we are now sitting far too much either at a desk, driving or texting throughout the day. This causes significant imbalances in the muscles that were designed to help hold our heads up above our shoulders. Over time this continuous strain on vertebral anatomy causing postural weakness and permanent forward head carriage.

Furthermore, for every inch the head moves forward on the shoulders. The weight of the head increases by at least ten 10lbs. So for instance, if a patient’s head weighs 10lbs, and is 3 inches forward past the shoulders. This would increase head weight to 40lbs causing abnormal leverage on the cervical spine, putting extra pressure on muscles and joints of the neck.

Due to our daily activities the body will shift the head forward away from a stiff, tender and jammed joints in the neck. Over time the cervical spine can be reduced or straightened. Causing structural changes and degeneration. Regular checkups, Chiropractic adjustments and specific neck exercises can stop this process from happening.

For more information on forward head carriage, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.