Research Findings
Billion
Spent on healthcare for spinal problems in North America annually
Population Experiencing Back Pain Before Age 50 in Industrialized Countries
Postural Correction After Participants Using Sacral Solutions Seat
Executive Summary
MSK disorders are very costly to individuals and the healthcare systems in North America. The US and Canada combined spend approximately $93.2 billion dollars on spine problems without seeing sustained improvements. [1] [2]. Much of the problem comes from misalignment/improper posture. According to Nobel Prize recipient for Brain Research, Dr. Robert Sperry, misalignment has a dramatic impact on multiple body functions, from breathing, spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the many conditions influenced by faulty posture [3]. Additionally, chronically misaligned posture leads to decreased circulation and greater risk of injury from overuse of muscles and joints. When the body is properly aligned, the natural interplay of muscles, ligaments, fascial network and bones work synergistically to support the body effortlessly and without undue stress [4]. In proper alignment the stacked spine and the weight positioned over bony structures meant to bear the weight distributes the force in equilibrium and allows for a full open rib cage and proper circulation, respiration and nervous system function.
Modern life, most chairs and furniture and particularly sitting in cars can cause and or exacerbate many of the back problems experienced in developed countries that rely on motor vehicle transportation. Musculoskeletal disorders seem to be widespread in affluent cultures, but not in developing and low-income countries [5].
Volinn’s research finds that “rates [of back pain] on the whole are higher among the general populations of selected high-income countries than among rural low-income populations; specifically, rates are 2-4 times higher” [5]. Kaplan et al in their Background Paper on Priority Medicines for Europe and the World, concur in their statement that “low back pain is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout much of the world, imposing a high economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry and governments” [6].
Modern life, most chairs and furniture and particularly sitting in cars can cause and or exacerbate many of the back problems experienced in developed countries that rely on motor vehicle transportation. Musculoskeletal disorders seem to be widespread in affluent cultures, but not in developing and low-income countries [5]. Volinn’s research finds that “rates [of back pain] on the whole are higher among the general populations of selected high-income countries than among rural low-income populations; specifically, rates are 2-4 times higher” [5].
Kaplan et al in their Background Paper on Priority Medicines for Europe and the World, concur in their statement that “low back pain is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout much of the world, imposing a high economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry and governments” [6].
Modern vehicle seat design impose misaligned, over-exaggerated curvatures of the spine causing injury, loss of disc space, vertebral compression and nerve impingement.This is especially damaging and can be correlated in the development of such conditions as vertebral arthritis, stenosis and disc protrusions due to continued or long-term exposure to misaligned seated positions in vehicles.
When a chronically misaligned and therefore vulnerable spine is exposed on a daily basis to vehicle momentum, vibration, acceleration, braking, decelerations and a side to side sway the results are severe.
References
[1] B. I. Martin, R. A. Deyo , S. K. Mirza, J. A. Turner, B. A. Comstock, W. Hollingworth and S. Sullivan, “Expenditures and Health Status Among Adults With Back and Neck Problems,” JAMA, vol. 299, no. 6, pp. 656-664, 2008. Available:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18270354/
[2] Public Health Agency of Canada, “Economic burden of illness in Canada, 2005-2008,” Government of Canada, Ottawa, 2014. Available:https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/economic-burden-illness-canada-2005-2008.html
[3] R. W. Sperry, “Roger Sperry’s Brain Research in the Bulletin of The Theosophy Science Study Group 26 (3-4).,” Nerve Connections Quart. Rev. Biol., vol. 46, no. 198, 1988. Available:http://people.uncw.edu/puente/sperry/sperrypapers/
[4] J. A. Levine, “What Are the Risks of Sitting Too Much?,” Mayo Clinic, n.d.. [Online]. Available:http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005.[Accessed 21 June 2016].
[5] E. Volinn, “The epidemiology of low back pain in the rest of the world: a review of surveys in low- and middle-income countries,” Spine, vol. 22, pp. 1747-1754, 1997. Available:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9259786/
[6] W. Kaplan, V. J. Wirtz, A. Mantel-Teeuwisse, P. Stolk, B. Duthey and R. Laing, “Priority Medicines for Europe and the World “A Public Health Approach to Innovation: Update 2013,” 2013. Available:https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/MasterDocJune28_FINAL_Web.pdf
[7] D.R Carney, A. Cuddy, A. J. Yap “Power posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affects Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance”, Psychological Science. [Online]. Available:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797610383437[ Accessed 30 Dec, 2020)