FITNESS
The Backbone of a Good Life KEEPING THE SPINE AGILE PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN MENTAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL HEALTH – WE’VE GOT TO KEEP MOVING! HERE’S HOW
By DR JESSIE ASKEW
Movement of the body and associated benefits for overall health is well known. Lesser known advantages include benefits for our mental and brain health – a vital component of living well in these unprecedented times. The vast majority of stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine, according to Dr. Roger Sperry, American neuropsychologist and neurobiologist, and 1981 Nobel laureate. “Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body in its gravitational field,” Dr. Sperry said. “The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing”. Today, rather than “working from home”, most of us are more likely “living at work”. Seated posture can have a big part to play in how we feel and function, considering most people are doing this far more during COVID lockdowns than during the previous typical 9-5 working day. 16 | THRIVE #2
Posture and long-term health outcomes have a huge correlation. In a study published in the Medical Journal of Spine in 2005 by a team of doctors headed by American Dr. Steven Glassman (who specialises in adult and pediatric spine deformity), the posture of 752 subjects was measured using full spine X-rays. Researchers took measurements from the base of the neck to the top the pelvis and the findings were astonishing. All measures of health status showed a lower score as posture decreased. Meaning - those with poor posture had lower measures of overall health status. Even minor forward head posture was shown to be decrease breathing ability and heart rate health, increase pain and disability and all health markers worsened as the posture deviations increased. Movement and posture of the spine is vital in ensuring we remain physically and mentally strong. Here are five ways we can assist our movement and posture while at home:
