Influence | Our 60-lb Head - Geriatric Children

Our head weighs 10–12 lbs. in a neutral position. As our head moves forward, however, the effective load on our neck and upper back increases - dramatically. Since most of our daily life now happens at desks, on screens, and on phones, we are living in a state of constant structural over-leverage. At a ~60° forward angle (the standard 'lean' for smartphone use), the effective load on the neck rises to ~60 lbs. Our spine is not designed to live there.

As a result...

Geriatric Children

Postural changes that once appeared later in life now show up significantly earlier. Measurable deficiencies are now common in children and adolescents, with studies indicating one-third to over half of youth are affected.

Forward curvature (kyphosis) is now observed in approximately 52% of boys compared to 40% of girls in school-based screenings. While this structural collapse tends to accelerate after age 60, affecting up to 40% of older adults, we are now seeing foundation for that structural collapse laid in childhood and young adulthood.

Age Less - Neck | Helical Resets

Helical Resets address the above pattern directly by replacing how our upper spine is used during the day, giving it much needed rest, load redistribution and mobilization - in many cases without adding any time to our day. This product also employs a 'teach a mind to fish' method, deploying key mind shifts and models to encourage exploration, improvisation, and modification. A central theme for Mango Spine. Enjoy.

References

  • Damasceno, G. M., et al. (2018). Text neck and neck pain in 18–21-year-old young adults. European Spine Journal.

  • Dolphens, M., et al. (2012). Prevalence of sagittal standing posture abnormalities in school-aged children. Spine.

  • Hansraj, K. K. (2014). Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surgical Technology International.

  • Kado, D. M., et al. (2010). Hyperkyphosis and its clinical impact in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

  • Katzman, W. B., et al. (2010). Age-related hyperkyphosis: Its causes, consequences, and management. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

  • Neupane, S., et al. (2017). Prevalence of neck pain among adolescents. European Spine Journal.

  • Quek, J., et al. (2013). Thoracic kyphosis and cervical posture: Relationships in young adults. Spine.

  • Straker, L., et al. (2018). Neck/shoulder pain and posture in adolescents using mobile devices. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology.