How the Eyes Impact Your Posture

When I mentioned the word posture - people straighten their spine and try to show themelves standing with their best posture. Most people believe that good posture requires just well-functioning muscles, but did you know that your posture is influenced by your eyes? The eyes are neurologically connected to the spine via specific cranial nerves. These cranial nerves are located in the brainstem, the beginning of the spinal cord.

The relationship between the eyes and the spine goes both ways.

On one hand, if you have poor eyesight, you may squint, lean forward, or tilt your head into an unnatural position to see more clearly. These adjustments create muscle tightness in the shoulders, neck, and head. Over time, this maladjustment can decrease blood flow and further create issues.

On the other hand, if your neck muscles are tight your vision might get blurred or your eyes have difficulty focusing. This is particularly common after concussions.

Different eye positions facilitate specific muscles:

Eyes Up: facilitates (activates) extensor muscles/ "bending back"

Eyes Down: facilitates (activates) flexor muscles/ "bending forward"

Eyes Right: facilitates (activates) right spinal rotation

Eyes Left: facilitates (activates) left spinal rotation

Note: Be careful with bifocal lenses.  Wearing bifocal lenses can create a mismatch of information in the brain which can lead to back pain. In order to use the lower portion of the bifocal glasses, the head needs to be tilted slightly back which facilitates extensor muscles. At the same time, the eyes are looking down which facilitates flexion. This conflicting input to the brain can cause back tightness and pain.

THE TAKEAWAY - IMPLEMENTATION SUGGESTIONS:

 #1: Pay Attention To Your Phone Use

Looking down at your phone for a prolonged time will activate your flexor muscles excessively. Take breaks, sit/stand tall and look with your eye towards the ceiling. Or better yet, stand up and move around.

#2: Pay Attention To The Location Of Computer Screens

If you are using a laptop, more likely you are constantly looking down. Elevate your laptop by using a box and an external keyboard. If you are using multiple monitors make sure to set up the one that you use the most directly in front of you. If you have to use them both equally, place them equally from the center.

 #3: Assess Your Eyes And Perform Eye Drills

Clarity of vision is important but also the quality of eye movement. The eyes are moved by muscles that can be trained like any other muscle. Assess how well your eyes move and work together.

Join me for the next NeuroHP Live session, I will show you some ways to self-assess your eyes.