Text Neck Teens

We all look down on phones, computers, and other devices, especially teenagers. Spending a lot of time looking down creates a rounding shape in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. Have you seen it? Teenagers with a turtle shell?

I have great news! Our bodies are brilliant. When we ask our back, neck, and shoulder muscles to lean forward while we look at our devices, our bodies call upon the fascial network. The facial network sends its connective tissue to support all the muscles being called upon to 'look down' for hours and hours each day. Think of each muscle fiber as a tree. Imagine building a support structure around that tree to help it stand straight as it grows. Our fascial network is the support structure and will move its resources to where our bodies ask it. The hunchback is there because our brilliant bodies send support to the muscles in need.

The fascial system is a complex, interconnected network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every body part. Fascia is a thin casing holding organs, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and nerves in place. Fascia is found in every space in the body. It is everywhere. Fascia provides structural support and enables the body's systems to operate together.  It's also the largest sensory organ in the body, containing more sensors and sensory receptors than the skin or tongue. Fascia responds to physical and emotional stimuli and can tense up to absorb shocks and return to its original shape. *

Yoga is an excellent tool to help counterbalance the hunchback effect. Yoga asanas, or poses, call upon the fascial network. The fascia responds to our physical demands (yoga), moving its connective tissue through physical movement.

The hunchback can be reversed! However, it does take work and commitment. I created this free 10-minute yoga practice with teenagers in mind, but it is perfect for anyone ready to strengthen their back body and combat the rounding effect.

This challenging practice requires users to be on their hands, knees, and stomachs. Please bring a towel or a blanket, offering yourself extra padding for the knees. Give it a try. It's okay if you feel frustrated; just notice. This is a great video to return to; notice yourself and your teens getting stronger each time.

Let me know in the comments below if you want to learn more about the fascial system and how yoga can assist this network.   

Namaste.

Yours in health and wellness,

Michelle

*This paragraph was collaboratively written with Google's generative AI.