Did you know that in addition to putting your brain to sleep that watching television actually has considerable negative physical side effects? Watching TV is linked to weight gain, back pain, neck pain and headaches. Some recent studies even link too much TV watching to an early death!
I have always known that spending time watching TV was bad for me so years ago I made some decisions about how I was spending my time at home. Typically, I would come home from work and plop myself on the couch and watch TV. It doesn’t take a genius to know that there are several things wrong with this picture. More importantly, I KNOW BETTER THAN THIS!
Sitting in front of the TV is OK for planned entertainment – but not what I was doing. I was turning on the TV without knowing what I wanted to watch – I would “flip” until I found something I liked and then I would “veg” until I would fall asleep or get tired enough to go to bed.
I moved back in 2005 and decided that I would not subscribe to cable or any other TV service. I figured that while I was watching TV I was watching other people do active things and advance their careers. While watching TV I also get peppered with commercials designed to coax me out of my hard earned money. After being parked on the couch I would feel lethargic and sometimes my back or shoulders would get stiff or sore depending on how I was positioned. No good for my career or my health (mental or physical).
I see people in my San Diego chiropractic clinic all the time who are in pain because they spend too much time watching TV. Watching TV deconditions the muscles that move and support the spine. We also tend to eat more when we watch TV which obviously leads to weight gain. Weight gain combined with weakened back muscles is a perfect recipe for sprain / strain injuries that are the root of back pain and neck pain.
Do yourself a favor this year and watch less TV. Watching less TV is better for both your mind and body.
Your’s In Good Health
Dr. Jones
(619) 280-0554
www.JonesPainRelief.com
