Ah… Energy, if we use too much we get tired. But if we don’t use it, we still get tired! How to find the balance?!

I’m sure you’re probably already settled into your routine of doing things, but what I’m here to tell you today is why technology is taking away your ability to use your energy and why this might be the article to help you understand what’s happening in your body so you can prevent yourself from feeling those first stages of fatigue.

So to get a better picture of what I’m talking about I’m borrowing technology’s favourite, the computer!

In actual fact, it is very draining on your mind and your body (as you may know) to be at a computer or laptop for several hours a day. When we consider your musculoskeletal and nervous system, prolonged usage of a using a computer can place an unnecessary load on your spine, particularly your neck, increasing the risk of an injury.

You may have noticed the tightness in the back or side of your neck or around your scalp at anytime in the day or night if your work involves being at a desk. Particularly if you have used computers as the main part of your career, these symptoms can be quite persistent.

Another symptom may be tightness or even a burning sensation in between or towards the top of your shoulder blades, at times like a knife poking you in the back. Sometimes felt with tightness or tension around the chest or front of your shoulders

If it’s more serious for you, you may even experience numbness or tingling down your arm or just at the site of your fingers.

The important thing to note here is that all of these symptoms fall into a pattern or a cycle as a result of the postural changes that take place when sitting in front of the computer for a long time. That’s right, they’re all related! Don’t worry… These symptoms are manageable with your diligence and relaxation.

So what may be happening to cause these symptoms?

When you’re using a computer you are recruiting powerful muscles that are situated at the front of your shoulder. Generally speaking, any forward movement with your arms (operating the mouse or keyboard) recruits muscles at the front or side of your shoulder. More importantly, there are muscles attached to the front of your shoulder blades that are constantly being used while you’re working away. So by the end of the day, they are in dire need of a treatment!

These muscles attached to the front of your shoulder blade will pull it over and around your back when they become tight and short – giving you a rounded shoulder. This is where the cycle begins!

If the muscles at the front of your shoulders and shoulder blades become tight and short it creates tension on the muscles at the back of your shoulders – giving you that burning or tight sensation as they try to pull your shoulders back to its natural position. Without addressing this problem it will become chronic and so the next phase begins.

Towards the end of the day as your muscles become tighter while you are working away, you might find yourself slouching in your seat – don’t worry, its normal to be tired. But when this happens your spinal column is being pulled forward – and so this creates even more tension on the muscles in the back of your shoulders and spine because their job is to hold you upright – instead they are being lengthened too much – which may cause your symptoms to persist.

As you are slouched over, it’s important to know you still need to look straight, so naturally you lift your head to keep your eyes on the screen – Creating a forward head position. This position creates tension in the muscles at the back of your neck because their job is to extend your neck and head backwards and also support it in an upright position. Sustaining this position for a long time may tighten the muscles in the side of your neck, possibly closing off the pathway to vascular structures and a bundle of nerves that exit from this site and supply the input to the muscles in your arms – causing you numbness, tingling or even coldness.

As your body may be moulding in to this posture, muscles are becoming shorter and tighter, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen (as well as neural input) travelling to your working muscles. If your muscles can’t absorb a sufficient level of these vital sources then they become energy deprived. With less energy the demand becomes higher and so do the symptoms and thus leading to potential weakness and fatigue as they try to deal with the standard level of stress in day to day activity.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it may be worthwhile to receive a remedial massage treatment to prevent any chronic condition developing. Massage therapy is proven to promote circulation, good posture and support healthy nervous functioning. If you would like to receive a treatment call 02 92 333 800 and ask for Ricky. Or you can email me at: ricky@backonyourfeet.com.au

The problems that shape themselves into our body represent the remarkable ability our body has to mould itself so that it can adapt to the ever demanding stresses we place on it in our day to day activity. Our body becomes stronger in each activity (even in the minute intricate movement patterns we display) so that by the time we return to the same activity, with an equal or greater demand, we are capable of overcoming the task. Although we may not agree with the changes and adaptations happening in our body, due to the fact that they may not suit our desired state of health, the body has one goal and that is survival. So the ache in your neck or the tingling sensation felt down your arms should not be seen merely as a symptom, but the effort of your body calling for your attention.

Check out my Stretching Article http://www.backonyourfeet.com.au/blog/206/stretching/