Chiropractic Week Celebrated in the UK
Citizens of the United Kingdom are in the midst of Chiropractic Awareness Week, and there are countless initiatives popping up left and right to promote chiropractic care as a practice to increase the understanding of how chiropractic care can help treat various morbidities across the nation.
The British Chiropractic Association reports that chronic back pain has increased roughly 10% in the last year and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. An alarming component of this recent report is the occurrence of back pain in young adults, with 45% of individuals aged 16 to 24 having back pain compared to just 28% of individuals in the same age group last year.
The British Chiropractic Association points to the ratio of time that is spent sitting down compared to the amount of time occupied by physical activity. Research has shown that in the United Kingdom, roughly ten hours of the day is spent seated while only two hours is spent moving around in any capacity, let alone exercising. While this ratio is quite one-sided, there are various factors that contribute to this skewed breakdown of activity.
An increasing amount of the work force in the United Kingdom and in the developed world altogether spends their time behind a computer. Aside from those in the construction and manufacturing sectors, many workers are framing their jobs around technology. This leads to the natural inclination towards sitting for a majority of the day.
However the working population is not the only group at risk. The British Chiropractic Association compiled the following data regarding general amounts of time involved with technology:
? 1.8 hours on mobile technology
? 3.7 hours on laptops or PCs
? 1.4 hours gaming
? 2.8 hours watching TV or movies
To change behavioral patterns, the British Chiropractic Association has mainly recommended good posture. When using a computer, proper alignment between the body and the device so that the screen is in line with the eyes and so that the hips are raised higher above the legs will reduce overall stress on the spine and neck. The organization has also recommended that technology users work in intervals, take small breaks to move around every 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, good hydration can help in all facets of health, but it will mainly help when trying to work efficiently and keeping the body sustained.
By spreading awareness of chiropractic health during a national campaign like Chiropractic Awareness Week, the United Kingdom hopes to move forward in bringing chiropractic care into the lives of many who struggle with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Army Medicine