#spine loading and deformation

[biomechstudent]

I'm attending my first scientific Workshop (about spine loading and deformation) and like I grasp about a third of the content that is presented by the speakers but omg this is so fascinating!

I love it!

This makes me so hyped for finishing my BA Thesis and getting into a Masters.

[bunni-v1]

(Twenty) Nine Lives for Love

Chapter 3: Meet the Team Prev Chapter\\Next Chapter m.list

Tw: Yamamoto (/j)

Info: Kenma x Reader ; Kuroo and Reader; Kuroo is a wingman; Your cat is so fucking fat (this is so important); Nekoma team introduction (yay!!!)

Word Count: 7.5k 🍓I know I said I was gonna get Curee out, but... I wanted to write this one so sorry lol. Anyway, I am again asking you to pretend Animal Crossing came out earlier in 2012. We get to meet the team, and I know I didn't highlight all the characters, but I just wanted to highlight the ones that are generally the most important in the Nekoma game. Anyway, enjoy lovelies!

Tag List: @angel-academia @bi-bi-papillon

You stretched your arms up above your head, groaning at the satisfying pops of your spine. The sun wasn’t even up yet, though you could see it just barely peaking over the horizon through your curtains. Maki let out a disgruntled sound as you shifted to grab your phone. 6:00 AM, 20 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy. 4 messages from ‘shithead’ (Noya) and 3 from ‘baldy’ (Tanaka). You shut the screen off, setting it back down, you’ll deal with the boneheads later. (Why Tanaka was up this early was beyond you). It was way too early to see your Dad off to work. He was never up before 6:30, and he left at 7:30 on the dot every day.

Lazily, you slumped out of bed, ignoring your cat growling at the loss of your warmth. You drag your feet over to your closet, pulling out your uniform and tossing it on haphazardly. You would fix it later once you were more awake. You took care of your hair just as fast and checked your phone again. 6:10 AM, great. You sigh, quickly responding to Noya and Tanaka’s messages (something about ‘annoying teachers’ from Noya and ‘rowdy freshmen’ from Tanaka). While you were at it, you decided to double-check the group chat Kuroo made last night for meeting times.

‘Meet up around 8:30’ and make your way to school with ‘enough time to grab snacks before class.’ You smile a little at the messages, Kenma complaining that was too early and Kuroo scolding him as usual. He also insisted on Kenma introducing you to Yamamoto and a Fukunaga, which you were 100% certain would not be happening if Kenma had the choice. You turn the screen off and sigh. With nothing to do for at least an hour (or until your old man decided to bother you), you decided to pass the time the only way you knew how: playing video games. 

With the stealth of a practiced ninja, you crept down the stairs and set up your N64. It was your Dad’s, which he bought so he could play with you when you were old enough. It had seen a lot of love since then, covered in stickers and markers from when you and Noya were too young to know better. You slid open the small drawer holding all your games, mulling over what you should play. Finally, you settled on the classic Super Mario 64. You’d beaten and 100% the game a million times by now, but you never got tired of it – besides it was only to pass the time for a bit. You would probably only play the slide level, or throw that little penguin off the side of Cool Cool Mountain. 

You blew into the cartridge, just in case, and pressed it into the slot. Not too long after, Mario’s impressive (for its time), but horrific 3D face greeted you with ‘It’s-a me, Mario’. You took a few minutes to stretch it around, deforming him until you were satisfied, then finally loaded up the game to mess around a bit. You decidedly chose not to play either aforementioned level, and hopped into Bob-om Battlefield instead, mostly because you liked the theme so much. After a long while (or exactly 45 minutes according to your phone), you heard the soft steps of slipper-clad feet make their way down the stairs, and pause right outside the entryway to the living room.

“You’re up early,” called the soft voice of your father.

“Couldn’t get back to sleep,” you answer.

He walks further in, leaning over the back of the couch to get a better look at what you’re up to. He laughs a little when he gets a full view of you running around aimlessly, setting the little bombs off on purpose. His hands come down to ask for the controller, which you hand him, and he proceeds to do the same thing you were doing. When he is satisfied, he hands the controller back to you and presses a kiss to your temple.

“Wanna eat breakfast together, since you’re up?.” He offers.

On cue, your stomach grumbles. Both of you share a look, then laugh before heading for the kitchen. Your dad makes two eggs, sunny side up, and toast. Simple, but more than enough to fill both of you up for the day. You pour yourself some apple juice, never having been a fan of bitter orange juice with your savory breakfast. When all is settled on the table, and you’ve already begun to eat your breakfast, your Dad decides he wants to catch up.

“How was your first day at school? I meant to ask last night, but that movie had us both snoring before we could talk.”

You laugh and nod, “Yeah, what a snoozefest. I thought it was ‘the scariest movie of all time.’ What a joke.”

“Scary movies aren’t scary anymore.” Your Dad scoffs, and you adamantly nod along with him.

“Seriously! But, anyway, school was good!” You exclaim.

“Oh yeah? Anything interesting happen, sweetpea?” he wonders.

You think it over, not quite sure where to start, “I was lost, but one of my upperclassmen – his name is Kuroo – helped me out. It turns out his best friend – Kenma – was in my class, and I was able to sit next to him, so I wasn’t lonely like I thought I’d be.”

He takes a big bite of his toast, and grins at you as he swallows, “That’s good! I’m glad you’re making friends. I told you it wouldn’t be that bad.”

You nod, “Oh, yeah, they actually live just down the street from us. We’re walking together this morning.”

“That’s… really convenient! You won’t have such a lonely walk now either.”

Again, you nod, “Oh, and get this, they asked me if I wanted to help manage the volleyball team. I’m going to their practice today, so I’ll get back around the same time as you today.”

He pauses, swallowing up the rest of his eggs – while you have only eaten half of what was on your plate – and gives you a nervous look. “That’s… a lot of conveniences. Anyway, isn’t it a bit odd that he’s asking someone he hardly knows to manage his volleyball team?”

You eye him suspiciously, “...That’s what I said, but… I dunno I guess he’s desperate. The volleyball team isn’t all that popular or good from what I’ve seen, so they haven’t had a manager since he was a freshman at least. Besides, if I feel uncomfortable or anything I just won’t say yes.”

He seems to accept the answer, “Alright, just be safe. Text me if you need me to come pick you up, okay, pumpkin?”

“I will, don’t worry too much,” you assure, and he reaches over to ruffle your hair.

“Finish your eggs up, then come see me off for work.” He states, getting up to clean off his plate and heading back upstairs to finish getting ready.

Obediently, you eat your food until the plate is clean and down the last of your drink. You rinse the plate off in the sink, set it in the dishwasher, and then move to straighten out your uniform in the first-floor bathroom. At some point, Maki lazes her way downstairs to find you, settling herself on the edge of the sink to stare at you complacently in the mirror. You give her a good scratch behind her ear, then leave to meet your old man at the entrance. He holds your school bag out in one hand, his briefcase in the other, and a big smile on his face.

You sling the strap over your head, adjusting it across your body, and then all three members of your household make your way outside. Maki, however, is not allowed outside of the gate, despite her wailing to say goodbye as well. You hush her as your father climbs into the old family van.

“She’s only so co-dependent cause you baby her all the time,” your Dad teases.

“She is my baby,” you insist, “I practically birthed that cat.”

He snorts, shaking his head at you, “Alright, alright. Be safe, love you pumpkin.”

You lean into the window, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “I will. Love you too, Dad. Have a good day at work.”

You wave him off – behind the gate, to appease Maki so she doesn’t disturb the neighbors. When he is out of your line of sight, you sigh, bending down to poke at Maki as punishment for her dramatics. She falls onto her side, thinking it’s playtime, and begins to bat at your hands. You huff out your nose, shaking your head. 

“Maybe I do baby you too much, you fatass.” 

She meows curiously up at you, and you can’t help but laugh at the display, rubbing at her stomach more affectionately this time. You spend a long time playing with Maki on the pavement of your entryway, enjoying the way she reacts to your poking and prodding fingers dancing across her little tummy. You only stop when you hear feet shuffling up to your gate, looking up to find Kenma. You blink in surprise, checking your phone, 8:00 AM – he was very early, and he was alone. You look around, maybe Kuroo is hiding, but there is no sign of him.

“Morning Kenma,” You finally say, standing to your feet.

“Morning,” he replies, but you can tell his focus is elsewhere. Specifically, on Maki.

Without another word, you bend down and scoop her up, then open the gate to let him in. He hesitates, looking at you nervously, but steps in when you widen your smile. Only after you close the gate do you set Maki down – knowing she would bolt if given the chance to. Kenma immediately squats down to pet her but pauses and looks at you.

“Is she friendly?” he asks.

“Yes, but she won’t be for much longer if you keep depriving her of pets,” you joke playfully.

Kenma smiles, then finally gives Maki her well-deserved butt scratches. You bend down to sit next to him, watching him in amusement. He got this glazed over, delighted look in his eyes, like he was in heaven. It was kind of cute to see. His eyes slipped over to you, and you continued to smile softly at him. There was a careful kind of consideration that crossed his face. Something… gentle and familiar about the look that you could not quite place. Then, he spoke.

“You didn’t mention you had a cat,” he mumbled, turning his gaze back to Maki.

You do the same, “It just didn’t come up, but she’s my pride and joy.”

His fingers find their way up to her collar, thumb rubbing the imprinted hiragana, “Maki. Why’d you name her that.”

You smile fondly at the memory, “I found her on the street when I was like eight or something. She was next to one of those souvenir shops that sell stuff to tourists. The shop had a big Maneki Neko sign, so I named her after that.”

He hums, scratching behind her ears, “So you rescued her?”

“Yeah, she was nothing but skin and bones when I found her. I fattened her up real good though, don’t you think?” As you say that, you give her stomach a playful smack.

“She sure is fat,” he laughs, then he thinks over his next words carefully before speaking, “Do you like rescuing animals?”

You nod excitedly, “Oh yeah. I scored a part-time job at the animal rescue downtown. I work the weekends, and I love it.”

“Paws and claws?”

“That’s the one! You know it?”

He hums his confirmation, “Yep. I’ve thought about trying to volunteer there, but I figured I wouldn’t get the approval.”

You frown at him, adamantly shaking your head, “We could use the help, and I can put in good word for you now. Besides, it would be a good way to get to know each other better.”

He seems to mull over your words carefully, jaw shifting as he thinks. You find him handsome like this, and you have to squash the squealing of the teenage girl in your head, reminding yourself you had met him yesterday. 

“I’ll… think about it,” he answers finally, “if I have the time.”

You huff a laugh out of your nose, “Oh! Uhm, I visited your village last night, it’s so cool. I love that all your villagers are cats, and you’ve got a cute, like, yarn theme going. It’s really, what's the word? Charming?”

He smiles, wide this time, “Thanks. I think I spent over a hundred hours making it perfect… I liked yours too. The way you set it all up was nice and cohesive, it felt like I was walking through a real city.”

“I based it off of my neighborhood back in Miyagi,” you admit, “I wanted it to feel as… homely as possible.”

“Well, you did a good job at that,” he compliments, “My favorite part was how you put your house right next to Bob’s.”

“He’s my favorite villager!” You defend, “He was one of my starters, and I kinda just fell in love with his personality. Y’know, he’s kinda like you!”

“He and Tangy are my favorites,” Kenma replies, still petting Maki, “…Tangy reminds me of you. A little.”

You try to shove down how happy that makes you, though your cheeks still heat up at the thought of it. The universe was out to get you, giving you this new boy who you just couldn’t seem to feel normal about. If Yuu or Tanaka were here they’d never let you hear the end of it. In your attempt to keep composure, a nice silence falls between the two of you. Kenma is still, somehow, dutifully petting your spoiled cat and you scrolling through your phone out of boredom. A few of your friends from Karasuno had posted about their first day back, and you tried not to feel too sour about it. It wasn’t your fault you weren’t there, and it wasn’t theirs for enjoying their time without you. Still, it stung just a little. Only a little, though.

“Have you thought about practice?” Kenma asks, so quiet you almost didn’t catch it.

“Huh? Oh! Yeah,” you respond awkwardly, “Yeah I have. I said I was gonna give it a try, so I won’t go back on my word. When does it go ‘till, though? I have to let my dad know what I’m up to or else he gets nervous.”

“Mine is the same way. My mom couldn’t care less, but he worries too much,” he responds coolly, “practice goes until 5, then we usually grab something to eat from the konbini down the street. So.. 5:30, I guess. We probably won’t today, though.”

“Okay, thanks,” you nod, quickly texting the information to your father. Kenma peers over your shoulder, cat-like eyes watching your fingers dash across the keyboard rapidly. He doesn’t have a touchscreen like you do – most kids your age don’t because they’re so new and expensive – so you don’t pay his prying eyes any mind, assuming it was only curiosity at the phone.

“Who’s shithead?” He asks suddenly.

You’re a bit confused until you look at your screen again and remember you never responded to Noya’s text. ‘Shithead: Remember not to be too intense or you’ll scare him off’ shows on your recent messages. Your face heats up, hoping Kenma didn’t read the message, “Oh! He’s just a friend from back home– Not just friend, sorry. He’d kill me if I said we were just normal friends. He’s my–”

“Your boyfriend?” a much deeper voice from behind asks.

You turn to Kuroo, face hot and flustered as can be. You try to ignore how Kenma’s face falls a little at what Kuroo said, not wanting to unpack that right now. Not this early in the morning, at least, maybe alone in your room tonight.

“Definitely not! Ew!” you exclaim, shaking your head, “I think I’d rather die. He’s my best friend. We’re practically family.”

Again, you try not to acknowledge that Kenma relaxes when you say that. Kuroo shrugs, pointing an accusatory finger at Kenma. 

“You coulda told me you were meeting her here early,” he scolds, “I stood outside your house like an idiot. Mrs. Shimada had to shoo me away, do you know how dumb I looked.”

Kenma rolls his eyes, “I wish I was there to see it.”

“You never leave the house early – actually, you’re almost always still sleeping when I come to get you! Who are you?” Kuroo argues.

An eye roll, “I just felt like it okay? It’s not a big deal or anything.”

A couple of expletives leave Kuroos mouth, and you snicker at him. They were just as amusing in the morning, that's good, yesterday wasn’t a fluke. Hoping to be the keeper of peace, you scoop Maki up from the ground and walk up to Kuroo.

“No arguing, okay, just pet my cat,” you smile, offering her up to him

He sighs, looks at her for a long moment, then begins scratching the top of her head. She purrs in your arms, little paws reaching out to grab at Kuroos arm. That seems to lighten him up, a wonderstruck smile growing across his cheeks as he goes in for more scratches.

“You didn’t mention you had such a cute kitty,” he coos.

“It didn’t come up,” Kenma says, now standing next to you, very close. He reaches up to pet Maki too, and you rationalize that he has to stand close to reach her. (He does not, you know he does not, but you were not going to complain).

“We should probably head out soon if we wanna make it in time,” Kuroo says, though he doesn’t stop his affections for a second.

You let him and Kenma give Maki all the love in the world for about five more seconds, then you pull her away. All three of them are disappointed. Spoiled rotten kitties. You open your front door and shoo Maki inside, laughing at the indignant face she gives you as you close the door. 

“She’s not an outdoor cat?” Kuroo says, a bit disappointed.

“You saw how fat she was!” you laugh, “but seriously, if I leave her outdoors she’ll follow me to class, and I don’t want her getting hit by a car or something.”

The two of them hum and nod in understanding, and then you’re off on your usual route to school. Again you talk about nothing and everything, and time passes incredibly quickly. These two were simple and easy to talk to, for whatever reason. It was a little annoying that you couldn’t place why, but you would count your blessings lest you lose them.

“Hey, are you still planning on coming to practice this afternoon?” Kuroo asks you as you arrive at the vending machines just outside the gym.

You nod enthusiastically, “Yeah! I’m really looking forward to it! You talked a pretty big game, I gotta see if it’s true, right?”

Kuroo laughs while Kenma slides some money in the slot, selecting some kind of juice, “We’re pretty average, but I think we’re fun to watch, maybe.” He comments, sliding another bill into the slot, “What do you want?”

“Oh– I can pay for myself,” you worry.

“I already put the money in, just pay me back later,” He says flatly.

“Aren’t you sweet,” Kuroo teases, much to Kenmas chagrin.

“Just milk, please,” you say finally, and he presses the button.

“I told the coach about you last night, he’s excited to have you,” Kuroo comments as he gets himself something too.

“I hope I live up to the standards then,” you joke.

“We don’t have any standards…” Kenma mumbles.

Your eyes glance over Kuroos hair, and you hum in understanding. He looks offended, and you sip on your milk so you don’t burst out laughing. For what it's worth, though, it gets a smile out of Kenma – which is all you wanted in the first place. Kuroo chooses something peachy, which does not seem to fit his whole persona, and then you are off to your homeroom together. You expect it to be like yesterday, light, playful conversation and quick, but it is not. 

As you are rounding the first of your right turns, a loud, somewhat familiar voice shouts behind you. Kenma flinches and Kuroo rolls his eyes. You have a total of about three seconds to react before there is a blonde boy tackling Kenma forward.

Ah. You think. It’s Yamamoto.

“How rude are you, you didn’t come by to see me yesterday – I gave you my classroom number and everything!” He says, scolding like a parent.

You think, just for a moment, that the sight is very funny. In the kindest way possible, this guy looks like a punk, and he’s scolding Kenma. You cover your giggles with another sip of your nearly empty milk carton. Kuroo sighs, which seems to be a habit of his, and marches forward to separate the two. You smile a little at Kenma, who shies away from your gaze, but still returns to your side like a lost kitten. (You let the teenage girl in you kick her feet over this one because it is cute.)

“Don’t make a scene, Yamamoto,” Kuroo scolds, and all balances itself out.

“‘M not making a scene, dude! I just–” He pauses when he sees you, doing a double take. The best way to describe his face would be: stupid. Like how Tanaka looks when he sees Kiyoko. You sure hope this guy doesn’t think you’re his soulmate – no offense to him. He points at you, “Who’s that?”

You introduce yourself and decide not to mention that you literally introduced yourself to the whole of his class yesterday. Kuroo decides to add, though you wish he hadn’t, “She’s trying out the manager position, so be nice and presentable, alright?”

Instead of being nice or presentable, Yamamoto falls to his knees and begins… praying? You think you see tears come to his eyes, and you realize the world has sent you a new Tanaka to replace the old one. 

“God, Buddha, whoever's out there, thank you for answering my prayers,” you hear him mutter.

Kuroo gives him a kick to his side, and you decide to leave him to deal with that, turning to Kenma. He looks nothing less than exhausted, and you feel a little bad. He was not much of a social creature. Still, he looks at you and sighs.

“I told you to avoid him.”

“Is he always like this?” You ask.

“He’s always whining about how we don’t have a female manager – it’s not fair because Fukurodani has two, we deserve one too.” He recalls, like having flashbacks.

“Kinda creepy…” you mumble, “but, one of my friends from home was kinda like that. Only, he’s convinced that he’s soulmates with his manager.”

Kenma huffs a laugh from his nose, “He still believes in that soulmate stuff?”

You feel a prick of… annoyance in your chest. Not only at the insult to Tanaka but because you believed in ‘that soulmate stuff.’ It also… kinda hurts, for some reason, that he doesn’t believe. Embarrassment and disappointment burn in your stomach at the thought, and you know you shouldn’t feel as bad as you do, but you do. Kenma seems to notice this because his face falls and he bites at his index fingernail. 

“I’m sorry–” he begins, but you cut him off.

“No, no, it’s fine.” The kind, non-confrontational part of yourself wins your mental battle, you didn’t want to debate soulmates with someone you didn’t know well,  “I know most people think it's silly.”

“It’s not–” He tries again.

“You don’t have to defend yourself. I get it.” You assure, smiling warmly at him.

He has this look like he wants to say more. Wide-eyed, eyebrows raised, and lip between his teeth. You hope he doesn’t, because you’re already embarrassed and hurting, and you don’t want to hear him justify why soulmates don’t exist. Why they can’t. You hear it enough from your dad.

The ten-minute bell is your saving grace, alleviating the tension in your shoulders and drawing Kuroo and Yamamoto back to the group. Kuroo splits off early because the nearest flight of stairs is closer back than it is forward, and you are left alone with Kenma – who does not seem to want to talk – and Yamamoto who is already mentally building a statue in your honor in his head. Thanks, Kuroo.

“Are you seriously considering managing for us?” Yamamoto asks, too excitedly, too close.

For some reason, Kenma finds it in himself to squeeze between the two of you, giving you the breathing room you need. Yamamoto grumbles about it, and you briefly see gears turning in his head as he considers the action, but you don’t give him too much time to think.

“I am, yeah,” you respond, “I wanna meet your coach and your team first before it’s set in stone, but… I like volleyball and there’s not much else for me club-wise here, so I’m pretty sure I’ll take the position if I’m wanted.”

“You will be!” He says too quickly, “I-I mean. I think everyone would be more than happy to have a cute girl helping us out every day too.”

You feel your face heat up at the compliment. The straightforwardness was refreshing, just like Noya, but if he flirted with you. Ew.

“We’d be happy with the help anyway,” Kenma jumps in, “we have to do it all ourselves, and it’s tiring after practicing for hours.”

“But it’s extra nice from a pretty girl~” Yamamoto purrs.

“Her gender doesn’t matter, so long as she’s helpful,” Kenma groans.

“Are you even into girls man?”

“Oh look!” You interrupt before things escalate, “This is our stop! It was nice to meet you, Yamamoto. I’ll see you in fifth period!”

You leave him in his bewilderment, ushering Kenma and yourself into the classroom and to your desks. He practically deflates as he sits down, all the tension gone as soon as his butt hits the seat. You chuckle at the look on his face, and he smiles a little, though you’re not quite sure why.

“Thank you,” he says finally.

“I’m used to his kind,” you joke, “If you ever need help, call on me and I’ll be your hero.”

He snorts as you flex your arms playfully in the air. You’re delighted that everything seems to be back to normal, though there is still a nagging thought in the back of your head. The disappointment that he does not believe in soulmates. You don’t know why it’s so disappointing – or, at least, you don’t want to acknowledge why it is.

.·:*˚¨¨ ≈★≈ ¨¨��*:·.

The bell signaling your last class rings, and you are suddenly hit with nerves unlike any other you’ve experienced. Maybe it’s because you know you’re about to meet a lot of new people all at once, or maybe it’s because you feel the need to be more than you are to impress them, but your stomach is in knots by the time you and Kenma descend the second flight of stairs. You fiddle with your fingers, not sure what else to do with all this nervous energy. God, maybe this wasn’t a good idea. You felt like throwing up. Was it hot, or are you sweating a lot? Ugh, ew, why were you sweating?

“Are you nervous?” Kenma asks, startling you out of your head.

“Oh, uhm, hah… yeah. I guess I am,” you laugh at yourself, “I didn’t think it would be so bad, but now that we’re going…”

He considers you for a moment, before awkwardly patting you on the head. If you weren’t nervous your stomach would be doing backflips for a whole other reason now. “You’ll be fine. I promise everyone else is better than Yamamoto.”

You think – no you know that you look stupid, with your mouth in an open smile and eyes wide. If you think too hard about it, though, you might actually throw up, so you just nod. It’s enough to appease Kenma, and he gestures for you to follow him. Luckily, you do not bump into Yamamoto on the way, so he can’t pester you anymore in his excitement. (He did that plenty once he realized you were in his class. Though, you found it more endearing than annoying. You just couldn’t handle more than what you had right now).

He leads you to the entrance of the field house, where Kuroo and two other guys stand. One is short – like really short – with sandy hair. The other is more average height with tanned skin, and buzzed black hair. They’re both incredibly cool-looking, and you feel your nerves return in full when Kuroo points at you from a distance. It takes everything in you not to stop and turn around, but you manage to approach the three of them.

“Oh? Is this our little manager?” The short one coos, a wide smile on his face, “She’s a cutie!~”

“Don’t be a creep.” Kuroo scowls.

“I’m not being creepy, I’m pointing out a fact.” He snaps back.

“Yeah, like a creepy old man!” Kuroo presses further, and the two of them start bickering.

The normal-looking one sighs, smiles at you, and offers his hand over the bickering of his fellow seniors (you think the short one is a senior, because you can’t imagine a junior being so comfortable arguing with their senpai like that.) “I’m Nobuyuki Kai, don’t pay them any mind.”

You smile weakly, “Hi…” Your voice is small and squeaky, but you manage to introduce yourself. You think Nobuyuki must have the patience of a saint, to put up with his friends and your floundering all at once.

“The short guy is Morisuke Yaku, but don’t call him the short guy, okay?” he winks, and you feel a little better, “Everyone else is already getting changed or warming up. You can talk to the coach inside once you feel up for it.”

Your nerves return in a wave, “Are we late?”

“Kenma’s just slow,” Kuroo finally returns to the conversation, “he’s always the last one here. Normally I’m with him but… I figured I could leave him in your care.”

A knowing smirk grows on Kuroo’s face, and you see Kenma glare at him. Odd… but, whatever. You were just glad that you weren’t late or anything, especially not on the first day.

Morisuke holds his hand out to you, “Morisuke Yaku! Excited to work with you!”

“I already introduced you,” Nobuyuki corrects, causing Morisuke’s smile to drop.

Quickly, you take his hand and introduce yourself, and you swear you see stars in his eyes as the smile returns to his face, “You’re gonna fit in great.” He says enthusiastically. You realize then that your nerves are eased a lot. Is this the power of reliable senpai? 

Kenma tugs at your skirt a little, and you look at him, “I’ll take you to the coach so you can talk to him.”

“Oh,” you almost forgot all about that, “yeah, thanks Kenma.”

The five of you walk in, and then split off from each other. Yamamoto and two excited boys wave at you as you pass. You wonder why you were so worried in the first place. Kenma points out the coach, who is standing off to the side of the court discussing with the Assistant Coach about something. When he spots you (at least, you think he does, since his eyes remain closed) he waves you over with a welcoming smile. You bid Kenma farewell, and quickly close the distance between yourself and the coach.

“You’re the new manager girl?” He asks before you can say anything, and you nod, pulling a hearty chuckle from him, “Welcome to the team!”

The other man clears his throat, “Sir, she’s just trialing today.”

“Don’t be so negative about it Naoi, you’ll scare her off!” The old man scolds. They seem to do a lot of scolding on this team.

“I-It’s no big deal Sir– I’m pretty sure I’ll accept the position, I just wanted to be sure I clicked.” You try and smooth things over, and the old man chuckles at you again.

“Coach Nekomata,” He introduces, “and this is Assistant Coach Naoi. We’re happy to have you.”

You grin, “Thank you! I really hope I stick, so to speak.”

He gestures for you to follow him, so you do, and he leads you over to a set of seats. Coach Naoi does not follow you, instead going over to check up on the boys. He pats the empty one next to him, and you take a seat.

“Tell me about yourself, where you’re from, and your interests.” He says, leaning in intently.

You’re taken aback but recover quickly. Describing your love for animal care, where you came from, and how you got into volleyball. He perks up when you mention coming from Karasuno, and asks a couple of questions about the team. You do your best to reiterate what Tanaka had told you, but you’re not much help since you’re so removed from it now. You do feel a little sad at the loss, but try to remind yourself that your friends haven’t suddenly forgotten about you due to distance. Sugawara’s constant texts asking about Tokyo and Diachi’s reminders to take care of yourself are proof enough of that.

“Our boys are rowdy, but they’re good-hearted. I think you’ll come to love working with them if you give it the time, I know I have.” He says with an air of finality, “Coach Naoi will show you the ropes today, I do hope you decide to stay.”

You give him a shy smile, “Thank you, Sir. I think I’d like to give it a try.”

Another hearty laugh pushes its way out of him, and then he claps his hands together and stands from his seat. Only then do you realize the whole team is changed and ready to begin practice. He waves you over to his side, and you follow him over to Coach Naoi’s side, the boys standing in a half circle around the three of you. Coach Nekomata begins some kind of speech to welcome back the team and get them excited for the coming year, and you take the time to observe the new faces that you’ve yet to see.

First, and most obviously, was a ginormous foreign-looking guy. He had to be at least three heads taller than the other members of the team, and his silver-grey hair and green eyes made him stick out like a sore thumb. Next to him was a kind of cute guy with spiky brown hair and a big smile passively resting on his face. He was one of the boys who waved at you when you passed Yamamoto, which led you to the other kid. He had a black bowl cut and was also awfully smiley, though you’d describe him as more thoughtful-looking than the brown-haired boy. And finally was a boy you recognize passing in the hall once or twice. You’d seen Yamamoto talking with him between classes yesterday, a permanent cat-like look on his face like he was up to no good. There were a couple of others, but they didn’t strike you as interesting – not to be mean. The four of them mixed in with the others you’d met piqued your interest. What kind of players were they? How did they play as a team? Would you be able to fit in with them?

“This young lady here is thinking about being our manager,” Coach Naoi’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts as all eyes fall on you, “do your best to impress her today, and she might just stay.”

Your face heats up, and to hide your embarrassment, you bow and introduce yourself just a little too loud. Luckily, no one comments on it, and they all excitedly bow and welcome you with an eagerness that only teenage boys can have. It reminds you a lot of Karasuno, and your chest warms up at the kindness these boys have afforded you already. You've never managed a team before, and you doubt you’d be any good to start, but you feel the need more than ever to give it your all – if only to make sure their kindness doesn’t go to waste.

Coach Nekomata barks out a few commands for warm-up, and Coach Naoi pulls you to the side to give you a rundown on your responsibilities. Fill water bottles, hand out towels, take notes on the athletes, clean up the balls, and help come up with strategies. Simple things you’d already sort of done before just by proximity to Nishinoya and his love for the sport. Coach Naoi shows you where things are, how best to fill up and transfer multiple water bottles at once, and of course, gives you some reminders of the basics of the game. By the time practice is wrapping up, you can hardly remember why you were so nervous to start. Everything comes so naturally to you, and you mentally make a note to text Kiyoko your thanks for conditioning you later tonight.

You’re so busy learning from Coach Naoi, that you don’t get the chance to talk to any of the team members outside of handing them their towels and water. Kuroo does take the chance to shoot you a thumbs up every chance he gets, which is reassuring. Kenma even smiles at you when you pass him. Every time you pass him actually, without fail. You do your best not to overthink it.

It’s not until you’re picking up balls that you get a chance to talk to some of the other members of the team. Fukunaga – the cat-faced guy – and Inuoka – the spiky-haired cutie – offer their help to you while everyone else cleans up in other places. Inuoka is a first year, and is just as friendly and excitable as you expected, asking all about your interests and happily sharing his when you ask. He’s kind of like a dog amongst cats, which makes him all the more likable in your opinion. Fukunaga the second year on the other hand is more of the quiet observant type, you expect him to be a stone wall, but he is not. He’s actually – pardon your language – fucking hilarious. He has you bursting out laughing with nearly every quip that leaves his mouth. Unfortunately, you don’t get a chance to talk to the others you don’t know, but you learn that the super tall guy is Lev Haiba, who is Russian, though he’s ‘Not cool enough to know the language’ according to Fukunaga. He also was totally brand new to the sport which made sense since he seemed to be way out of his depth. The other was Yuki Shibayama, who Inuoka described as just ‘Nice’ from their interactions at the camp before the semester starting. ‘Nice,’ might’ve been the most vague descriptor possible, but you weren’t gonna give him too hard of a time about it. (Fukunaga did that for you with another jab that had you snickering behind your hand.)

Kenma approached the three of you just as you finished tossing the last of the balls in the basket. You gave him a smile, positioning yourself to face him better.

“Hey Kozume-Senpai,” Inuoka says cheerfully, which makes you feel bad when Kenma’s face doesn’t even shift a little. Jeeze, he was heartless.

“Kuroo wanted me to grab you, you’re on sweeping duty tonight,” he states flatly.

Inuoka groans but obediently jogs over to the broom closet. Only when he’s out of earshot does Fukunaga’s lips twitch up into an almost smile, leaning in to whisper to you, “We don’t assign broom duty.” Then, before you can respond, he walks off casually leaving you and Kenma alone.

“He’s strange,” you comment, still watching him wander away, “but, nice!”

“You don’t have to be so positive about everything,” Kenma responds.

“But I mean it,” you retort, “everyone is so nice. I feel welcomed.”

You begin to put the cart toward the storeroom, and Kenma follows side by side with you. “Everyone is so… cheery. It’s exhausting sometimes.”

“I’m cheery,” you pout, “do I exhaust you?”

The question takes him off guard, his eyebrows lifting in surprise, and then he looks to the floor like he’s considering the question. Again, you do think he’s cute while he’s thinking. His face doesn’t change too much, but there's a subtle furrow in his eyebrows and scrunch of the lips. It’s… charming.

“You’re cheery,” he finally manages, “but… you know when it’s too much. It’s a good thing from you.”

You ignore the nagging part of your brain that wants to ask what that means, and simply smile, “Thanks. And, for the record, your pessimism is kind of a nice thing to have around too.”

His lips quirk at the corners and your heart thrums with pride at the sight. It is quickly interrupted by a throat clearing, and Kuroo is standing behind you already back in his school uniform. He looks more disheveled than usual, and you actually laugh at him this time. He prickles like a pissed-off cat, and you swear you see his hair stand up.

“If you two are done flirting in here, Kenma needs to get changed so we can head out,” He says, annoyed, but somehow still playful about it.

It’s then that you realize you haven’t texted your Dad since practice started. You curse and pull your phone out, pulling up the messages with a frown.

Dad: Let me know when practice is out.

That's all he said, which is significantly worse than a long paragraph about how upset he was. He was angry, but he was also hurt. You groan. The lecture you would get upon returning home was bound to be legendary.

“That looks bad,” Kenma states factually.

You nod, “He’s going to make me feel like shit when I get back.”

“Then let's not waste any more time,” Kuroo announces with two claps, “Go get changed so we can get her home.”

Kenma rolls his eyes but doesn’t do anything else to protest as he moves out of the store room. When he’s gone, Kuroo gives you a weary look, “You all good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you sigh, “just… frustrating. I’ll be good though.”

He hums, “Did you at least enjoy practice?”

You think back over everything, and you realize… you never ever miss out on texting your dad. The only time you do is when you’re having too much fun with Noya. The comprehension of this draws a little chortle out of you, “Yeah. I had a lot of fun. Who knew menial work like this could be enjoyable?”

“See! I knew you’d be a perfect fit!” He proclaims, “You were all nervous for no reason.”

You scoff, following him as he leads you outside the field house, “You couldn’t have known that I would’ve worked out. I’m practically a stranger.”

Despite your words being a little harsh, he shrugs them off like nothing, “It just… felt right? Like, you know how sometimes you meet someone and you just know you’re gonna be friends. That’s what it felt like with you, especially after seeing how well Kenma took to you.”

You try not to think about Kenma liking you, and consider his words. They echo how you’ve been feeling this whole time, and it feels good to have that reciprocated. “I’ve been thinking the same thing, y’know. I normally don’t… connect well with other people on my own, but for some reason, everything felt natural. Like it was fate.”

“Exactly!” He confirms, “Weird isn’t it?”

“Suuuper weird,” you laugh, “but, it’s nice!”

“You two sound like crazy people,” Kenma says, stepping out of the gym.

“Don’t be rude!” Kuroo defends.

“It is true though, right? Don’t tell me you don’t feel it too,” you insist as the three of you start your walk home.

Kenma gnaws on the thought for a second before responding, “I dunno if I can believe it’s fate or anything like that… but I do like that you were able to fall into place as you have.”

You cannot stop your heart from singing songs at the shy smile on his face. You also cannot decide if this is the universe being cruel or kind to you, but you think you could get used to the giddy feeling in your stomach.

[faofinn]

Day 29 - Head Injury

A follow on from a Whumptober fic - here

@mediwhumpmay

Fao’s head spun as they settled him inside. At least it was warmer, though he was still cold. He gripped Sheila’s hand tightly as they fussed, though he could feel himself slipping. He didn’t want to pass out, but it was beginning to feel inevitable, his vision blurring into black. 

Fao drifted in and out of consciousness throughout the trip to hospital, struggling to stay with it, despite the people talking to him. When he was aware, he fought against the people touching him but he didn’t have much energy to do anything. Everything hurt, he felt so weak, and every jolt made the dizziness worse. They weren’t far from the hospital, though, and Fao fought to stay awake as they got him inside and transferred across onto their bed, groaning as they moved him. 

This is Fao, he's 23 years old. He was playing rugby when he was tackled at his shoulders around half an hour/forty minutes ago. Took a significant hit to the head and was knocked unconscious on impact, though came to quickly, initially GCS 12 rising to GCS 14. Obviously deformed collarbone so query fracture there. No c-spine tenderness, but boarded for MOI. He's been agitated with us, but lost consciousness again during transport, GCS 3 for about four minutes. Became unable to maintain his own airway and had a respiratory arrest. We ventilated him for about 2 minutes before a spontaneous return, tolerated OP and NP during. He's had a gram of IV paracetamol - has a 20 in left ACF. Obs are as follows - Resp at 18, Heart rate 134, sats 97% on air, now 100% on 15L. Bp 103/62, did drop to 89/45 during his unresponsive episode. BM was 5.1, GCS as before, pupils equal but sluggish. He is allergic to morphine, but other opiate derivatives are okay. Do you need anything else from us?”

The consultant shook her head. “That’s great, thank you.” She said, then moved to speak to Fao. “Hi Fao, I’m Grace, I’m one of the doctors here. Looks like you’ve taken a bit of a hit. There’s going to be loads of people around you for a minute, whilst we get you all set up and make sure we know all of what’s going on, alright? It can be disorienting, try not to worry. We’ll tell you what we’re doing as we do it.”

Fao struggled to listen, but just about managed, trying to focus on the doctor’s face. “‘Kay.” He mumbled. “My mum?”

"She's around, just letting us do our checks first."

“Can I have her? Please?” He whimpered. 

Sheila pushed through, her son's request breaking through her want to follow the rules. She gripped his hand, squeezing in to press a kiss to his forehead, trying to avoid the blocks and tape. 

"I'm here, sweetheart. I'm right here."

He managed a smile. “Mum.”

"I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm staying with you, I'm just gonna let them do their things they need to."

“Headache.” He complained. 

"I'm not surprised."

“Feel shit.”

"Again, not surprised. Was a shitty tackle."

“Don’t remember.”

"Illegal, they knocked you clean out."

“Oh.”

"Yeah, that's why they're a bit busy around you."

“Feel… fuzzy.”

She swallowed thickly. It was just the concussion, that was all. "You will, you're gonna be fine."

“Yeah. Gonna be fine.”

"Course you are."

“Got you, but don’t feel well.”

"These lovely people are gonna fix you up."

“Mm.” He was quiet for a moment, part of him trying to understand what they were saying. He wanted to know what was going on. His brows pulled together as he focused, but didn’t manage to get anything useful to register in his brain. 

Sheila recognised the look in his eyes. "Hey. They're wanting to take you for a scan, see if any damage is there."

“No thanks.”

"You don't have a choice." She said gently. 

“I don’t want it, though.”

"You need it. You might have hurt yourself more than we can see." Sheila murmured softly. 

“No thank you.”

"Fao, you've got to. You currently can't make that decision."

He whined, and although he protested endlessly, he didn’t have a choice. They took him through to the scanner, and he wasn’t sure if he was tired or they’d given him something, but it was harder to focus and stay awake. About halfway through the scan, he’d drifted a little, but almost jolted awake in fear, nausea suddenly overwhelming him. 

“‘M gonna be sick.” He said, panic rising. 

"We're nearly done, Fao. Take some slow deep breaths." The tech said.

"If he's said he's going to be sick, he's going to be sick." Sheila snapped. "He's not stupid."

“Gonna be sick.” Fao repeated, swallowing thickly. “Help?”

They finally listened to him, and staff came in, helping him onto his side as he was sick. He felt so horribly out of control, held up and in pain, trying desperately to breathe through the nausea. Everything was hazy and horrible, the room spinning, and once he’d finally finished they settled him back on his back. They’d need to do the scan again now, but at least they’d given him some antiemetics. 

They’d started to help and he was able to drift again whilst the scan happened, letting the hazy darkness pull him under. They got through the whole thing without any drama this time, and then he was moved back to resus to await the results. 

They let him and Sheila know quite quickly that they couldn’t see any significant head injury like a bleed or fracture, that it was likely nothing more than a severe concussion, but they’d need to wait for the more detailed scan report. They could, however, get him out of the blocks and sat up a little, which helped him to feel more awake and oriented. He still struggled to keep his eyes open, and his collarbone was absolutely killer, the painkillers hadn’t really touched it. But at least he was okay.

[severefangladiator]

Preventive Measures for Spinal Deformities: What You Can Do Early?

Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, can develop due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, poor posture, or injury. While not all cases are preventable, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing spinal issues. Early intervention is crucial, and consulting the best spine surgeon in Kolkata is an important step if you're concerned about spinal health.

One of the key preventive measures is maintaining good posture. Whether sitting, standing, or lying down, keeping the spine aligned and avoiding prolonged slouching helps protect the spine. Additionally, staying active and engaging in exercises that strengthen the back, such as yoga or Pilates, can contribute to better spinal health. Regular physical activity helps in maintaining flexibility and reducing the risk of injury.

Another crucial preventive measure is ensuring proper ergonomics in your daily life. Using supportive chairs, sleeping on a quality mattress, and positioning your computer or mobile device at eye level are all small adjustments that can make a big difference. Moreover, carrying heavy bags or loads unevenly can strain the spine, leading to deformities over time.

If you experience back pain or notice any unusual spinal curvature, it’s important to seek expert advice. The top spine surgeon in Kolkata can provide valuable guidance and early diagnosis, preventing minor issues from becoming major concerns.

[neurospinethane]

Preventive Measures for Spinal Deformities: What You Can Do Early?

Spinal deformities can affect individuals of all ages, leading to chronic pain, mobility issues, and other health complications. Conditions like scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis often develop over time, sometimes due to genetic factors, poor posture, or lifestyle habits. While some spinal deformities may be unavoidable, many can be prevented or managed effectively through early intervention and lifestyle adjustments. A growing awareness around spinal deformities in Thane is helping people take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy spine.

Understanding Spinal Deformities

Spinal deformities refer to abnormal curvatures or misalignments in the spine. The most common types include:

Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine that can worsen over time.

Kyphosis: An excessive forward rounding of the upper back, giving a hunchback appearance.

Lordosis: An exaggerated inward curve of the lower back.

These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to severe discomfort, pain, and even breathing issues. However, adopting preventive measures early on can reduce the risk of developing such deformities.

Key Preventive Measures for Spinal Deformities

Maintain Good Posture One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent spinal deformities is by maintaining proper posture. Whether sitting, standing, or walking, keeping the spine in a neutral position helps reduce unnecessary stress on the vertebrae and surrounding muscles. Poor posture, especially during adolescence when the spine is still developing, can contribute to the onset of deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis. Simple tips for good posture include:

Sitting upright with feet flat on the floor and shoulders back

Avoiding slouching or leaning forward for extended periods

Using ergonomic furniture that supports spinal alignment

Regular Exercise and Strength Training Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing spinal deformities. Strengthening the muscles that support the spine, particularly the core, helps to maintain proper alignment and balance. Activities like yoga, Pilates, and swimming are especially beneficial for promoting spinal flexibility and stability. For individuals in Thane, there are various fitness centers and health professionals who offer programs tailored to spine health. Incorporating a routine of exercises designed to strengthen the back, neck, and abdominal muscles can significantly reduce the risk of developing spinal deformities.

Weight Management Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for preventing undue stress on the spine. Excess body weight, particularly in the abdominal area, can pull the spine out of alignment and increase the risk of developing deformities over time. A balanced diet rich in nutrients that support bone health—such as calcium and vitamin D—can also play a crucial role in spinal health.

Proper Backpack Use For children and adolescents, carrying heavy backpacks improperly is a common cause of spinal issues. Ensure that backpacks are worn correctly, with both straps on the shoulders and the weight evenly distributed. The load should not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body weight to prevent unnecessary strain on the spine.

Regular Check-Ups Early detection is key to managing and preventing the progression of spinal deformities. Routine check-ups with a healthcare provider, particularly for children and adolescents, can help detect any signs of abnormal spinal curvature. For those at higher risk—whether due to family history or other factors—regular monitoring can be crucial for early intervention. In Thane, several orthopedic specialists focus on early diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities, offering a range of preventive and corrective options. Scheduling regular spine assessments is a proactive step in maintaining long-term spinal health.

Ergonomic Workspaces For adults who spend long hours working at a desk, creating an ergonomic workspace is critical for spine health. Using a chair with proper lumbar support, positioning your computer at eye level, and taking regular breaks to stretch can help prevent back strain and potential deformities over time.

Education and Awareness Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Educating children and adults alike about the importance of spinal health can lead to better habits, early detection, and timely intervention. Schools and community centers in Thane are increasingly offering educational programs on preventing spinal deformities, helping individuals make informed decisions about their spinal care.

The Role of Early Intervention

While preventive measures are crucial, early intervention is equally important if signs of spinal deformities start to appear. Treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases, surgical correction, can effectively manage or reverse the progression of spinal issues. Medical experts specializing in spinal deformities in Thane provide comprehensive care, from early diagnosis to advanced treatment options, ensuring that patients receive the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

Spinal deformities can have a profound impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, but many of these conditions are preventable with the right measures. By maintaining good posture, staying active, managing weight, and seeking early medical advice, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing spinal deformities. In Thane, a growing focus on spinal health and the availability of expert care make it easier for residents to take charge of their well-being and prevent future complications. Remember, a healthy spine is the foundation of a healthy life—start taking steps today to protect yours.

[xunravel-me]

Back-to-School Backpack Safety: Protecting Your Childs Spine

Understanding the Risks of Improper Backpack Use

Common issues associated with improper backpack use include:

Back and Shoulder Pain: Continuous stress on the back and shoulders can cause significant discomfort and pain.

Posture Problems: Carrying heavy backpacks can lead to slouching, rounded shoulders, and poor posture.

Long-term Spinal Issues: In severe cases, excessive backpack weight can contribute to scoliosis or other spinal deformities.

Warning signs to watch for:

Red marks on the shoulders from backpack straps.

Tingling or numbness in the arms.

Difficulty standing up straight.

Complaints of back or shoulder pain.

How to Choose the Right Backpack

Selecting the right backpack is the first step in ensuring your child’s spine health. Here’s what to look for:

Size Matters: Choose a backpack that is proportional to your child’s body. The backpack should not be wider or longer than the child’s torso. It should rest comfortably against their back.

Essential Features:

Padded Shoulder Straps: Wide, padded straps help distribute the weight evenly and reduce shoulder strain.

Waist and Chest Straps: These additional straps help stabilize the backpack and shift some of the weight to the hips and chest.

Multiple Compartments: Compartments allow for even weight distribution and organization, preventing the backpack from sagging.

Proper Packing Techniques for Backpack Safety

How you pack a backpack is just as important as what goes into it. Here are some tips to ensure a balanced load:

Tips for Wearing a Backpack Correctly

Wearing the backpack correctly is crucial for avoiding strain and injury:

Two-Shoulder Rule: Always wear both shoulder straps. Slinging the backpack over one shoulder can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to muscle strain.

Adjusting Straps: Ensure that the shoulder and waist straps are properly adjusted. The backpack should fit snugly against the back, without hanging more than a few inches below the waist.

Height Positioning: The backpack should sit two inches above the waistline and not sag low on the back. This positioning helps maintain balance and prevents strain on the lower back.

Alternatives and Solutions to Reduce Backpack Load

Reducing the load your child carries can greatly improve their backpack safety:

Locker Use: Encourage your child to use their school locker throughout the day to store books and supplies they don’t immediately need.

Digital Solutions: If possible, opt for digital textbooks or access online resources that can reduce the number of physical books needed.

Rolling Backpacks: Consider a rolling backpack as an alternative. While these are not suitable for all environments, they can be a good option for children who have to carry heavy loads over long distances.

Regular Backpack Checks and Maintenance

Regularly checking the condition and contents of your child’s backpack is vital:

Routine Inspections: Periodically inspect the backpack’s weight and contents. Encourage your child to regularly clean out unnecessary items.

Replacing Worn-Out Backpacks: Pay attention to signs of wear and tear, such as fraying straps or a sagging back. Replace the backpack if it no longer provides proper support.

Parental Involvement: Engage with your child about their backpack usage. Teach them how to pack properly and encourage them to speak up if they feel discomfort.

Backpack safety is essential for protecting your child’s spine and overall health. By selecting the right backpack, packing it properly, and wearing it correctly, you can prevent many common back and spine issues associated with improper backpack use. Encourage your child to adopt these practices and stay proactive about their spinal health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How heavy is too heavy for a child’s backpack?

A child’s backpack should ideally weigh no more than 10-15% of their body weight. For instance, if a child weighs 80 pounds, their backpack should not exceed 8-12 pounds.

What are the signs that a backpack is causing back pain?

Look for signs like red marks on the shoulders from the straps, complaints of back or shoulder pain, difficulty standing up straight, or tingling/numbness in the arms.

Can using a rolling backpack eliminate all risk of back pain?

Rolling backpacks can help reduce the risk of back pain caused by carrying heavy loads. However, they should be used correctly to avoid other issues, such as pulling them upstairs, which can cause strain.

How often should I check my child’s backpack weight and contents?

Regularly check the backpack, ideally once a week, to ensure that it isn’t overloaded and only contains necessary items. Teach your child to do the same.

Are there specific brands known for ergonomic backpacks for kids?

While many brands offer ergonomic designs, look for reputable ones known for quality and durability. Popular choices often include brands like JanSport, Osprey, and L.L.Bean, which provide backpacks with features tailored to comfort and support.

Getting Started in Chanhassen, MN

Your child’s spinal health is crucial for their overall well-being and development. Don’t wait until back pain becomes a problem. At Abundant Life Chiropractic Health Center in Chanhassen, MN, our experienced team is dedicated to providing expert care and personalized advice to keep your child’s spine healthy. We offer comprehensive spinal assessments and tailored treatments designed to prevent and alleviate back pain caused by heavy backpacks. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards safeguarding your child’s future health. Call us now or visit our website to book an appointment!

[dea-matrona]

Back-to-School Backpack Safety: Protecting Your Childs Spine

Understanding the Risks of Improper Backpack Use

Common issues associated with improper backpack use include:

Back and Shoulder Pain: Continuous stress on the back and shoulders can cause significant discomfort and pain.

Posture Problems: Carrying heavy backpacks can lead to slouching, rounded shoulders, and poor posture.

Long-term Spinal Issues: In severe cases, excessive backpack weight can contribute to scoliosis or other spinal deformities.

Warning signs to watch for:

Red marks on the shoulders from backpack straps.

Tingling or numbness in the arms.

Difficulty standing up straight.

Complaints of back or shoulder pain.

How to Choose the Right Backpack

Selecting the right backpack is the first step in ensuring your child’s spine health. Here’s what to look for:

Size Matters: Choose a backpack that is proportional to your child’s body. The backpack should not be wider or longer than the child’s torso. It should rest comfortably against their back.

Essential Features:

Padded Shoulder Straps: Wide, padded straps help distribute the weight evenly and reduce shoulder strain.

Waist and Chest Straps: These additional straps help stabilize the backpack and shift some of the weight to the hips and chest.

Multiple Compartments: Compartments allow for even weight distribution and organization, preventing the backpack from sagging.

Proper Packing Techniques for Backpack Safety

How you pack a backpack is just as important as what goes into it. Here are some tips to ensure a balanced load:

Tips for Wearing a Backpack Correctly

Wearing the backpack correctly is crucial for avoiding strain and injury:

Two-Shoulder Rule: Always wear both shoulder straps. Slinging the backpack over one shoulder can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to muscle strain.

Adjusting Straps: Ensure that the shoulder and waist straps are properly adjusted. The backpack should fit snugly against the back, without hanging more than a few inches below the waist.

Height Positioning: The backpack should sit two inches above the waistline and not sag low on the back. This positioning helps maintain balance and prevents strain on the lower back.

Alternatives and Solutions to Reduce Backpack Load

Reducing the load your child carries can greatly improve their backpack safety:

Locker Use: Encourage your child to use their school locker throughout the day to store books and supplies they don’t immediately need.

Digital Solutions: If possible, opt for digital textbooks or access online resources that can reduce the number of physical books needed.

Rolling Backpacks: Consider a rolling backpack as an alternative. While these are not suitable for all environments, they can be a good option for children who have to carry heavy loads over long distances.

Regular Backpack Checks and Maintenance

Regularly checking the condition and contents of your child’s backpack is vital:

Routine Inspections: Periodically inspect the backpack’s weight and contents. Encourage your child to regularly clean out unnecessary items.

Replacing Worn-Out Backpacks: Pay attention to signs of wear and tear, such as fraying straps or a sagging back. Replace the backpack if it no longer provides proper support.

Parental Involvement: Engage with your child about their backpack usage. Teach them how to pack properly and encourage them to speak up if they feel discomfort.

Backpack safety is essential for protecting your child’s spine and overall health. By selecting the right backpack, packing it properly, and wearing it correctly, you can prevent many common back and spine issues associated with improper backpack use. Encourage your child to adopt these practices and stay proactive about their spinal health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How heavy is too heavy for a child’s backpack?

A child’s backpack should ideally weigh no more than 10-15% of their body weight. For instance, if a child weighs 80 pounds, their backpack should not exceed 8-12 pounds.

What are the signs that a backpack is causing back pain?

Look for signs like red marks on the shoulders from the straps, complaints of back or shoulder pain, difficulty standing up straight, or tingling/numbness in the arms.

Can using a rolling backpack eliminate all risk of back pain?

Rolling backpacks can help reduce the risk of back pain caused by carrying heavy loads. However, they should be used correctly to avoid other issues, such as pulling them upstairs, which can cause strain.

How often should I check my child’s backpack weight and contents?

Regularly check the backpack, ideally once a week, to ensure that it isn’t overloaded and only contains necessary items. Teach your child to do the same.

Are there specific brands known for ergonomic backpacks for kids?

While many brands offer ergonomic designs, look for reputable ones known for quality and durability. Popular choices often include brands like JanSport, Osprey, and L.L.Bean, which provide backpacks with features tailored to comfort and support.

Getting Started in Chanhassen, MN

Your child’s spinal health is crucial for their overall well-being and development. Don’t wait until back pain becomes a problem. At Abundant Life Chiropractic Health Center in Chanhassen, MN, our experienced team is dedicated to providing expert care and personalized advice to keep your child’s spine healthy. We offer comprehensive spinal assessments and tailored treatments designed to prevent and alleviate back pain caused by heavy backpacks. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards safeguarding your child’s future health. Call us now or visit our website to book an appointment!

[toptmtbars]

The Evolution and Significance of TMT Bars in Development: A Steel Spine for Primary Uprightness

In the domain of development, the expression "strength in structure" holds central importance. From transcending high rises to humble private structures, the trustworthiness of any development pivots upon the nature of its materials, especially its steel fortifications. Among these, TMT (Thermo-Precisely Treated) bars stand apart as a revolutionary development that has re-imagined the norms of underlying soundness and strength. In this article, we dive into the evolution, characteristics, and significance of TMT bars in present day development rehearses.

Evolution of TMT Bars:

The coming of TMT bars denoted a critical takeoff from customary steel support procedures. By and large, gentle steel bars were widely utilized for support, yet they acted such as helplessness to erosion and low rigidity. These impediments provoked analysts and designers to investigate elective techniques to improve the exhibition of steel in development.

The advancement accompanied the improvement of TMT innovation in the late twentieth 100 years. TMT bars are produced through a careful cycle including controlled cooling of the hot-moved steel bars, trailed by resulting extinguishing and self-treating. This cycle confers exceptional properties to the bars, making them infinitely better to ordinary steel fortifications.

Characteristics of TMT Bars:

High Elasticity: TMT bars display fundamentally higher rigidity contrasted with customary gentle steel bars. This characteristic guarantees better opposition against outer powers like tremors, wind, and effect loads, consequently upgrading the primary uprightness of structures.

Unrivaled Flexibility: TMT bars have superb malleability, permitting them to go through significant deformity before disappointment. This property is pivotal in enduring abrupt burdens and seismic vibrations, making structures more secure and stronger.

Erosion Opposition: Dissimilar to gentle steel bars, TMT bars are intrinsically impervious to consumption because of their novel assembling process. This obstruction guarantees life span and diminishes upkeep costs related with primary fortifications.

Weldability: TMT bars can be handily welded without undermining their underlying honesty. This component works with consistent development and empowers specialists to alter plans as per explicit undertaking necessities.

Incredible Holding Strength: TMT bars display unrivaled holding strength with concrete, guaranteeing vigorous composite activity inside built up substantial designs. This upgraded bond forestalls slippage and guarantees uniform burden circulation, accordingly streamlining primary execution.

Significance of TMT Bars in Development:

Upgraded Primary Wellbeing: The unrivaled strength and pliability of TMT bars fundamentally improve the security of designs, relieving the gamble of breakdown or primary disappointment, particularly under outrageous stacking conditions.

Cost-Viability: While TMT bars might have a somewhat higher beginning expense contrasted with gentle steel bars, their drawn out benefits offset the underlying venture. The toughness and low support necessities of TMT bars convert into cost investment funds over the life expectancy of the design.

Supportability: TMT bars add to maintainable development rehearses by drawing out the life expectancy of designs and diminishing the requirement for regular fixes and substitutions. Furthermore, their erosion opposition limits ecological effect by lessening the utilization of assets for support exercises.

Compositional Adaptability: The flexibility of TMT bars empowers draftsmen and architects to investigate imaginative plan arrangements without settling for less on underlying trustworthiness. This adaptability considers the development of tastefully satisfying and practical designs customized to different building inclinations.

Flexibility to Changed Conditions: TMT bars display strength to brutal ecological circumstances, including seaside regions inclined to saltwater consumption and areas powerless to seismic movement. This versatility makes them reasonable for an extensive variety of development projects across different geological areas.

All in all, TMT bars address a change in perspective in the field of underlying designing, offering a powerful mix of solidarity, toughness, and flexibility. As the foundation of present day development, TMT bars assume a vital part in guaranteeing the security, life span, and maintainability of fabricated conditions. Embracing this imaginative innovation lifts the guidelines of development as well as makes ready for a stronger and prosperous future.

[yelenaparker22]

Effects of improper use of backpacks

Using a backpack properly is important to prevent discomfort, strain, and potential long-term health issues. Here are some tips on how to use school for laptop backpacks in Sri Lanka correctly and why it matters:

How to Use a Backpack Properly:

Choose the Right Backpack: Select a backpack that is appropriate for your needs. Consider the size, compartments, and features that will suit your intended use. The backpack price in Sri Lanka is not very high, and you can easily find high quality products in the market to suit your needs.

Pack Light: Avoid overloading your backpack. Pack only what you need to reduce the strain on your back and shoulders.

Use Both Shoulder Straps: When using a laptop or school backpack in Sri Lanka, always use both shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly across your back. Using only one strap can cause muscle imbalance and discomfort.

Adjust the Straps: Adjust the shoulder straps so that the backpack sits snugly against your back. The bottom of the backpack should rest in the curve of your lower back.

Hip Belt Placement: If your backpack has a hip belt, fasten it securely around your hips. This helps transfer some of the weight to your hips and reduces strain on your shoulders.

Organise Heavier Items: Place heavier items closer to your back and lighter items towards the outside. This helps maintain a more balanced load.

Use Compartments Wisely: Distribute the weight evenly among the compartments to maintain balance and stability. This also helps in finding items more easily.

Lift with Your Legs: When picking up a loaded backpack, bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift it, rather than straining your back.

What are the effects of improper use of backpacks?

Improper use of backpacks can lead to various health issues and discomfort. Here are some potential effects of using a backpack incorrectly:

Back and Shoulder Pain: Carrying a backpack with improper weight distribution or using only one shoulder strap can lead to back and shoulder pain. Over time, this can become chronic and affect daily activities.

Muscle Strain: Carrying a heavy backpack, especially with poor posture, can strain the muscles in the shoulders, neck, and back. This strain may lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort.

Poor Posture: Improperly worn backpacks can contribute to poor posture. Slouching or leaning forward to compensate for the weight can lead to spinal misalignment and long-term posture issues.

Neck and Headaches: The strain caused by an uneven or heavy backpack can radiate to the neck and head, leading to tension headaches and discomfort.

Nerve Compression: Carrying a backpack with excessive weight or in an unbalanced manner can compress nerves and blood vessels. This may result in numbness, tingling sensations, and circulation problems in the arms and hands.

Joint Pain: The added stress on the joints, particularly in the spine, shoulders, and hips, can contribute to joint pain and discomfort.

Developmental Issues in Children: Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy backpacks. Carrying excessive weight can impact their developing musculoskeletal system and may contribute to long-term issues.

Strain on Ligaments and Tendons: Carrying a backpack that is too heavy or improperly positioned can strain ligaments and tendons, leading to discomfort and a risk of injury.

Impaired Blood Circulation: Tight shoulder straps and heavy loads can impede blood circulation, potentially causing issues like numbness, tingling, and cold extremities.

Increased Fall Risk: Carrying a backpack that is too heavy or unevenly distributed can affect balance, increasing the risk of trips and falls.

Scoliosis or Kyphosis: Prolonged use of improperly positioned backpacks, especially during growth phases, may contribute to spinal deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature) or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature).

To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to use backpacks properly by selecting the right size, distributing weight evenly, adjusting straps, and avoiding overloading. Regular breaks from carrying a backpack, maintaining good posture, and choosing ergonomic designs can also help prevent these negative consequences.

What are the alternatives you can use instead of backpacks?

There are several alternatives to traditional backpacks, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Here are some popular alternatives:

Messenger Bags: These are worn across the body and typically have a single strap. They are suitable for carrying lighter loads and are often preferred for work or casual use.

Shoulder Bags or Totes: These bags have shorter straps and are carried over the shoulder. They are fashionable and often used for carrying personal items or laptops.

Rolling Backpacks: Ideal for individuals who need to carry heavy loads without putting stress on their backs. These backpacks come with wheels and a handle, allowing them to be rolled instead of carried.

Duffel Bags: Duffel bags are cylindrical in shape and usually have a large main compartment. They are suitable for gym gear, travel, or carrying bulkier items.

Sling Bags: Designed to be worn over one shoulder and across the chest, sling bags are a compact and stylish option for carrying essentials.

Hydration Packs: These are small backpacks specifically designed for carrying water. They are popular among hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fanny Packs or Waist Bags: Worn around the waist, fanny packs are compact and convenient for carrying small items. They have made a comeback in fashion and outdoor activities.

Laptop Bags: Designed with padded compartments for laptops and other electronics, laptop bags are great for professionals or students who need to carry tech gear. The prices of these bags are quite similar to laptop backpack prices, and are easily available in shops.

Briefcases: A classic choice for professionals, briefcases come in various styles and sizes and are suitable for carrying documents, laptops, and other work-related items.

Crossover Bags: Combining elements of backpacks and messenger bags, crossover bags are versatile and can be worn in different ways.

Trolley Bags: Similar to rolling backpacks, trolley bags have wheels and a handle for easy rolling. They are commonly used for travel.

When choosing an alternative to a backpack, consider the intended use, the number of items you need to carry, and your personal style preferences. Some people may find it helpful to have a variety of bags for different occasions and activities.

[valgasnewsthings]

Sauna massage.

 And in such unique  temple for physical health as sauna and also entering,  a most strong effective remedy is massage. This development  culture still learning and today as universal recovering method. His appreciated  Crete , Rome, Indian used his 40 days as ritual for rejuvenation, At China used his  and manufactured a most simple and effective methods. In Japan, every person learned massage and self-massage, and appreciated on the Middle East. We are today using lots of tractions describing this procedure , but a most interesting work used Avicenna,  he offered following classification for massage kinds:

1. Strong.

2. Weak.

3.Continuous.

4.Moderate.

A strong massage strengthens body, weak is soft, continuation leads to slimming, moderate supporting a normal organism condition. And individual kind is rubbing with hard fabric, blood springs to the skin. In soft rubbing a blood in organs staying , and a harmful from harmful massage is less, than of easy , thus Avicenna advised used his for children's. A very strong massage stops grow in a children   .Also are selected ready  and restore massage. First using till physical exercises, second after  and using for resorption and removing   slags from the muscles tissues. Restoring massage  done with a begun strong massage  with oil, transferred to moderate, which asked in patient for  strain and relax muscles. After used fabric, and moved with her on an all body, and patient need breath slowly and on the end strain muscles,that for massage effect transfer for inside organs. And Avicenna sure   ,that a base massage goal are hardening fragility organs and hardening for soft. He manufactured a whole system for massage methods for increasing or decreasing muscle mass. And with massage are true miracles happening, that he is the best help against cellulitis, obesity, bad blood circulation, but with sauna procedure healing serious problems. And for traditional European sporty massage are having lots of contraindications, but we are share  later. And one interesting detail, that avoiding massaging fractures places , and body with scratches, common massage avoiding in pregnancy. And they are not affecting in moderate oily massage. But easy oily massage scratches healing, wounds, and bones healing in fractures.Special oily massage is also having, where muscles plasticity rising,that births are relieving. Spines muscles in pregnancy is benefit manufacturing, that right posture in carry baby is importance. Oil quantity leading to minimum, that in his rubbing are forces needing, and best oils for massage in pregnancy are mustard, coconut, peanut. These are right combinations as sauna, steam, shower, massage. A good relaxed body for massage is awesome combination, as preventing micro injures, and more accidents. And after massage avoiding cooling, but remove bad skin, sweat is need. Sauna, massage are deep manufacturing organism, which activating his base systems, opening blocked canals,they are matching each other and increasing. Today our organism in modern conditions, his natural forms for functioning are hard. And stimulating his  by lymph, blood  current , if not, results are weak muscle tone, tensions.A same   schemes for loadings and relaxing leading to bones deforming  and vertebra column. Organism, organs, systems are too deforming. And massage here too helping. He stimulating  lymph and blood current, muscle tone increase, tensions, removing factors, leading to forming pathologies, and bone system returning in normal condition. And thus any sporty team having massagist. Private massagist today is too expensive pleasure. He is fighting fatigue, returning sleep, and work regime for organs , systems returning to right work, and you are feeling better. Sauna is a best ready to massage, body is ready. By physical effects she ready body is softly ,same and complexly. About massage and sauna a need write individual books. And these are a few kinds and forms for massage, which not need for special ready. Ready procedure using for healing and for preventing goals , thus here we are sharing about these methods as attention more on a self massage methods and detailed about a needing these processes' provision.

from Valga s health news,gardening,and cooking ,and beauty . https://ift.tt/jn6z2Gf via https://ift.tt/5dZQHvj

[neurosurg101]

White and Panjabi checklists for spinal instability

A great reference textbook for spine biomechanics is "Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine" by White and Panjabi.

They define "clinical instability": the loss of the ability of the spine under physiologic loads to maintain its pattern of displacement so that there is no initial or additional neurological deficit, no major deformity, and no incapacitating pain.

physiologic load: are those which are incurred during normal activity -flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending- of the particular patient being evaluated incapacitating pain: pain unable to be controlled by non-narcotic drugs

White and Panjabi proposed checklists based on their biomechanical data for spine instability

Occipital-atlanto-axial complex (any point should be considered as instability)

the images below explain point in the checklist:

2. Middle and lower cervical spine:

comments on the checklist: 1) anterior elements: posterior longitudinal ligament and all structures anterior to it. 2) posterior elements: all structures behind the posterior longitudinal ligament 3) patients with anterior elements destroyed or unable to function are more clinically unstable in extension, while patients with the posterior elements destroyed or unable to function are more unstable in flexion 4) It is not assumed that the information available on all patients will provide a definitive answer for each item on the list 5) It is recommended that when the evaluation of a given element leads the clinician to a borderline decision that cannot be resolved, the value for that entity should be divided by 2 and added to the other points

positive angle = kyphotic angle (intersection anterior to spine) negative angle = lordotic angle (intersection posterior to spine)

An abnormal test is indicated by either differences of more than 1 .7 mm interspace separation or more than 7.5 degrees of change in angle between vertebrae, comparing the prestretch condition with the situation after application of axial traction equivalent to one-third body weight.

=> Examples of patients in whom one can anticipate heavy loads are heavy laborers, contact sport athletes, and avid motorcyclists

Pavlov's ratio is a reliable, accurate method for recognizing a developmentally narrow canal without the variables involved in linear measurements. The measurement A is the distance between the midlevel of the posterior aspect of the vertebral body and the nearest point on the corresponding spinolaminar line. The measurement B is seen on lateral x-ray as the anteroposterior distance from the front to the back of the vertebral body measured at the midlevel. The ratio A/B is considered normal if 1 or greater and abnormal if less than 0.8.

=> In patients under 35 years of age, post-traumatic disc narrowing is modestly suggestive of disruption of the annulus fibrosus and of possible instability.

=> A congenitally narrow canal is defined as measuring less than 1 3 mm in its anteroposterior dimension on a lateral radiograph or having a Pavlov's ratio of less than 0.8.

=> if the trauma is severe enough to cause initial neurologic damage, the support structures probably have been altered sufficiently to allow subsequent neurologic damage, and thus the situation is clinically unstable.

=> Evidence of root involvement is a weaker indicator of clinical instability. For example, a unilateral facet dislocation may cause enough foraminal encroachment to result in root symptoms and/or signs but not enough ligamentous damage to render the FSU unstable

3. Thoracic and thoracolumbar spine

4. Lumbar spine

references: (1) clinical biomechanics of spine by Augustus A. White and Manohar M. Panjabi, chapter 5

[bsiofsa7]

Nonsurgical Treatment for Spine and Pressure break

Many individuals with spine pressure breaks needn't bother with an operation. Spine specialists at BSI San Antonio, TX, propose medication, particularly fit back upholds, and a blend of action and development change to lessen torture and help you remain dynamic.

Our experts in solid wellbeing, sensory system science, and neurosurgery moreover work personally with BSI San Antonio endocrinologists—who address impressive experts in treating people with osteoporosis—to give broad treatment. Our experts offer nonsurgical thought to help you create bone mettle, stay aware of safety in the spine, and walk around torture.

What is a Tension Break?

A strain break of the back or spine happens when your vertebrae or bones of the spine break. Pressure breaks can happen in the spine, notwithstanding, most consistently in the T9 through L1.

Compression fracture Treatment San Antonio TX shows up in a wide scope of shapes, sizes, and names. They are often called impacted breaks, crush breaks, or wedge breaks. These different breaks construe different things and may have assorted long stretch effects. Acknowledging which kind of break you have is critical considering the somewhat long ramifications of the various breakages. For example, a burst break might have more outrageous long-haul impacts, including neurological compromises.

Wedge Break: The vertebrae were broken at the front of the bone toward the front of the spine.

Squash Break: The entire bone breaks rather than just the front of the vertebrae.

Burst Break: This happens when there is a height mishap in both the vertebra's front and back.

Spinal Setting: A Treatment Decision for Spinal Breaks

Dependent upon the sort of spinal break you have, your PCP may propose that you wear support as the break recovers. Assuming the suspension is a consistent break—not causing any neurologic injury or responsible for causing neurology mischief—you may have to wear support (On the off chance that the hole is shaky—suggesting that the vertebra is so broken, it can't offer assistance to the spine and that there's conceivable neurological damage—supporting may not be a respectable treatment decision for you You'll possibly require an operation.)

Regardless, the vertebra can pass on its conventional weight without the risk of extra injury. That infers that, by and large, the vertebra can, regardless, tackle its work of supporting you to move. Regardless, a broken vertebra doesn't "work" similarly to an ordinary vertebra, so your spine could use some help with passing on the load. The help will offer that extra assistance during the retouching period.

Do I have the Signs of a Vertebral Tension Break?

Signs of a vertebral tension break vary remarkably, making it hard to recognize. Explicit people experience extraordinary back torture that additional time becomes tireless, while others have unexpected limit back torture.

• Intense back torture that turns relentless additional time.

• Recognizable hunchback deformity called kyphosis. Examine more on kyphosis. This is, by and large ordinary if you have a wedge break on your vertebrae.

• Loss of height

• Swarming of inside organs

• Loss of muscle and high-sway shaping in light of a shortfall of development and exercise

• Torment that wrecks when you walk or stand

• Trouble bowing or reshaping

• Torment is seen routinely when performing step by step tasks that insignificantly strain back muscles. For example, putting sheets on the bed or unloading food.

Alleviation from inconvenience Medication

Spine fracture Treatment near me San Antonio TX, Spine pressure breaks may cause monstrous torture, basically assuming the break occurred as the delayed consequence of a disaster like a fall. Our exacerbation board specialists can outfit you with the medication to lessen enduring while your bones retouch. Torture drug doesn't help the recovering framework, yet lessened torture may allow you to remain convenient as you recuperate.

Depending on your level of misery, experts may recommend over-the-counter quitting medication, similar to ibuprofen, or help with inconvenience drugs, like acetaminophen. Our specialists may support a more grounded pain reliever if irritation drives forward

What are Treatment Decisions for Spine Strain Break?

Treatment for spine pressure break can often be conservative, and treatment normally incorporates a mix of diminishing your activity, medication, and backing wearing. The lessening in development will help retouch your messed-up vertebrae while the medication manages torture.

At BSI San Antonio, TX, we offer a wide scope of recommended supports for osteoporosis or tension breaks of the vertebra. Coming up next are two or three of the assorted help decisions open.

This TLSO support is an extraordinary decision for overseeing pressure breaks. This helps have a three-point pressure system that reduces issues identified with pressure breaks. The endorsement applies strain to the sternum, mid-back (where most spinal tension breaks happen), and the front of the hips. The help was made in light of customer comfort.

This help made for osteoporosis holds the mid-spine in a suitably extended position, thwarting bothersome spine flexion due to conditions like osteoporosis. This help is useful for uncommon osteoporosis as its essential assumption is to make proper spinal courses of action

If you experience a more delicate kind of osteoporosis or a strain break, any back assists arranged in the thoracic and lumbar region will help drive you toward recovery. This back gets ready for mid to bring down back torture is a mind-blowing decision for less serious cases.

If your tension break is arranged in your L1 or lower, endeavor this expansive spine change support. This help helps with limiting unsafe development in the region to get many lower mid-back conditions.

[komahinasecretexchange]

Title: Silent Courtroom

Author: @redakara

For: @asktheshadowprince

Pairings/Characters: Hinata/Komaeda, mentioned Nanami

Rating/Warnings: Teen/No warnings

Prompt: Amnesia

Author’s notes: Not gone, only forgotten.

The building wasn’t quite moving, rather shifting, half-formed and transparent, completely white like the sky with hot pink outlining where walls should be. The outlining, too, glitched away and reappeared, the verticals and horizontals slowly stretching and receding in a form that loosely resembled a building. A completely uninteresting rectangle with similarly shifting outlines that were some forms of walls, furniture, and pillars.

Geometrical shapes floated innocently throughout it all, as if they were attempting to convince him that the content of this strange place didn’t defy logic’s dictating hands, that it made completely sense for buildings to shift in such a strange manner. Still, logic clung onto him like a leech and boldly insisted that everything here wasn’t right. Maintaining some degree of lucidity, just enough to recognize that this was a strange existence, he watched the nonsensical chaos continue as if it was supposed to happen. He clutched his skateboard.

Even so, the acknowledgement wasn’t enough to pull him out of the irregularity that was this half-dream, half-awake world where he watched the scorchingly bright white cityscape form and deform on repeat, looping until he memorized the patterns and anticipated each movement. How utterly boring.

What he didn’t expect was the complete halt.

The building’s outlines stopped stretching to touch each and make ends meet, the carefree polygons ceased in midair, and the rectangular building attained a new hue- brick red, the glue between the cracked bricks nearly tangible despite his distance from the building. Maybe a kilometer?

A failed attempt to take a step forward proved that his legs didn’t exist in this world, a huge inconvenience along with having no arms or mouth, just sight and hearing. Wind swished undramatically past his ears, masking the ominous echoing footsteps. He only knew someone else was in this world because of the sudden black, almost piercing his eyes.

Though they stood on the distant balcony of the nondescript, dirty brick building, he could feel the scathing glare from them and the sudden jolt ensuing from nearly undetectable, but alarming eye contact.

The person’s long, untangled black hair shifted as they turned slightly to their right in annoyance, leaning their left arm on the banister with a suppressed sigh.

“Clearly, you don’t remember me either.” Their voice was distant, emotionless, and cold, and nearly a whisper, yet completely audible. Laced into their voice was a nearly imperceptible hint of concern, almost as if they cared about his fate.

With a strangled attempt to return the remark with confusion, he realised that he also lacked a mouth.

“I suppose you could call us something like…best friends. Or maybe roommates fits the bill better.” They responded, answering the unasked question completely calmly, as if they knew they hit the nail right on the head and didn’t bother lingering on their incredible intuition. Instead, they simply turned back to their original position, relieving themself of a resting position.

With a loud finger snap, the front of the banister shifted away, and a brick staircase to his position replaced it, and black began infecting the once white areas like an injection, but the ever-present pink remained, holding their positions as outlines. With that, they began their drawn-out decline on the newly formed stairs.

“I am sure that he-…they all are worrying about us. Succeeding such an incident, all of them should be afraid. Perhaps we are the spine of it all.”

Five steps descended, twenty-six left.

“You could call this our vacant room. One of us is out, the other is here. Something is wrong is both of us are here at once. They are awaiting your return, not mine. Go back, Hinata.”

Eleven steps descended, twenty left.

“There’s not enough space in this world for us to meet here simultaneously. I will not disappear if you leave.”

Twenty-two steps descended, nine left.

“I am once again asking for you to leave.”

Twenty-eight steps descended, three left.

The person halted. “You know what will happen if you don’t move.”

He couldn’t move. His legs were gone.

Thirty-one steps descended.

“Very well, then.”

With slow, practiced, and daunting footsteps in his direction, the person suddenly wielded a knife. A voice whispered in his ear. “This world is whatever I wish it to be.”

Without an expression shift, despite claiming to be best friends, they emotionlessly stabbed the knife into his side. The obscene sound of metal piercing organs replayed itself in his head, looping like a catchy rhythm. The audio of the knife divorcing from his body was worse than the original noise, somehow.

“Forced pain. I’m sorry.” They didn’t sound sorry.

“Goodbye.”

He awoke surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Two of them, to be specific. A girl, purple choppy hair and a permanent meek expression carved into her muscles. An androgynous man, shoulder-length curly white hair appearing more brown at the ends like color escaped from his hair. The girl was visibly shocked, the man just teared up with a bright smile. She ran off, calling out an apology and a brief explanation.

“Hajime…” The man let an unfamiliar name slip past his lips. And in an unbelievable flash, the white-haired man was sobbing into his chest, bending in an uncomfortable position from his wooden chair.

“Tsumiki said you..you might never wake up.” Hiccup, sob. “But…I knew you could get through this. I’m so-” He paused once more to rub his eyes, smiling. “-happy.”

“Oh..yeah, that’s, um great!” Was it too rude to push him off after expressing his happiness at his well being? Yes, likely. After such a strangled response, surely he would pull himself off of him, right? Of course, he was right. The beautiful- wait, what- male sat upright in his chair in abrupt fear. If nothing else, he was predictable.

“Oh, is something wrong, Hajime? I’m sorry I touched you, I-” Somehow, he already knew a self-deprecative rant was incoming.

“No, it’s just-”

His sentence cut off when the purple-haired girl walked back in with a file in her hands.

“Hinata! Y-you’re awake now, so, i-if you don’t mind, I just want to ask you s-some things.” She said, clenching a file in her hand. The paper already crunched slightly in her hand. Gentle, indecisive, scared of being too confrontational or confident. Predictable, once more.

He ignored the oncoming chill sourcing from those thoughts.

“Actually, I’d like to ask you something first.”

“Yes, a-anything.”

“Um…well…who am I?”

——————————–

Once Komaeda and Tsumiki (as they had introduced themselves) came down from the sudden shock of his question, Tsumiki handed him a file and left to alert the rest of the island residents. Was it a small community? Did he have many friends?

“Your name is Hinata Hajime. Your blood type is A, you’re one hundred seventy-nine centimeters tall. You weigh sixty-seven kilos and your chest size is ninety-one centimeters.” Komaeda listed off his physical traits in his soothing voice, but even Hinata could hear the hidden panic in his words.

“We seem…close.” Hinata pondered out loud.

“You were my first friend, Haj-…Hinata-kun. Of course we’re close.”

He couldn’t help but to notice that Komaeda kept more distance between them compared to when he first woke up.

The unspoken question hung in the air, but was left unanswered.

“You’re friends with everyone here too. I’m sure they’re dying to see you again.”

An obvious desperate attempt to ditch the conversation, but an attempt that he tried to follow regardless.

——————————–

Imposter is kind. Hanamura is perverted. Koizumi is harsh. Pekoyama is intimidating. Saionji is rude. Mioda is cheerful. Tsumiki is meek. Nidai is strong. Tanaka is…interesting. Komaeda is wonderful. Sonia is not princessy. Owari is hungry. Kuzuryu is strangely comforting. Souda is friendly. Mitarai is wary.

He repeats it to himself, over and over, until names and faces match.

——————————–

Tsumiki still smelled faintly of vanilla, but the pollen had disappeared and replaced itself with the factory aroma of chemical-loaded cleaning supplies. The smell was intoxicating, following her as she tripped over her own feet with a tray of empty syringes. To imagine her intentions with them was nearly terrifying despite her incessant, profuse apologies. As she rearranged the empty shots in size order, he could only feel like he could do better.

A ridiculous fantasy, but one that he couldn’t help but to entertain. Her hands were shaking as she set it down beside his uncomfortable hospital bed. She exclaims another apology as she excuses herself to go grab more supplies.

She was…adequate. She took care of people without expecting an apology or anything in return. He wondered if he, too, could do that.

Even as he sat, helpless in a purely white hospital room, he still had the nerve to think of himself as above her. The quiet voice in his head whispered it like a cacophony, but not in an unfriendly way. A silent reminder. Nothing more.

She returned, nothing but a filled syringe clenched tightly in her left hand, like it would disappear if he loosened her grip even slightly. He let a light sigh tumble from his lips.

How boring.

——————————–

A lone girl sat on a bench in front of a fountain. She sat there, without acknowledging the presence of the spectator. She flicked around a joystick and clicked buttons in perfect harmony, never missing a beat as her face remained placid. The left side of the bench appeared painfully empty when she sat closer to the right. If he closed his eyes hard enough, he could almost feel a similar console in his hands as he sat beside her, clicking the buttons with as much precision and expertise as her professional self.

But the memory was no more than an unattainable fantasy. It dissolved like an uncoated pill if he looked away for even a second. He didn’t sugarcoat it for himself, simply let the memory slip through his fingers.

When she appeared again, it was more painful. A fatal wound leaked onto the ground, drowning her in her own blood. With such wounds, breathing was laborious and even the slightest hopes of living died along with her body.

She already knew she was dead, yet her spirit refused to give up. A faltered attempt to stand on her destroyed feet only proved further that her life was already over. But she still found it in herself to breathe out meaningless words that she thought carried weight.

Her will to keep living meant nothing. She meant nothing. She was boring. She was weak and let herself die. He watched, a voyeur to her pain.

Somehow, he still found himself looting her Galaga hair clip.

Even stranger, he found himself crying, too.

——————————–

Nanami. Nanami Chiaki.

He hated forgetting her, but hated more to remember how he did nothing to save her.

——————————–

Most returning memories centered themselves around Chiaki, but this one was different.

It was Komaeda this time, but not quite Komaeda. His hair was clearly the same, but his mechanical arm was a real arm. But that wasn’t his, either. Long, merciless red nails and a mismatched skin tone gave the impression that it was a woman’s arm. Longing for a forgotten green and red oven mitt only grew at the disgusting sight.

The aforementioned arm fell quickly to his mouth as if he was laughing at him. No noises found their way out, he just kept it in the same spot.

“Isn’t it so disgusting?” Komaeda inquired.

“Rather, impressive that you’ve managed to keep her arm from rotting.” An empty compliment, just for the predictable flush to appear on Komaeda’s face.

Komaeda swatted her hand up and down as if in refusal. “Don’t waste your praise on me, Kamukura-san. I’m just a lowly servant.”

Feelings shifted through him like someone studying the contents of a file cabinet. Still, he remembered feeling nothing but the cold night air.

“Aren’t you cold, Servant?” Kamukura answered nonchalantly. “A metal collar is bound to breed cold, correct? Winter’s solstice is to occur soon.”

Servant’s face went redder, though he wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or the embarrassment. “If I was cold, what would you do about it?”

“Bring you back to the children, naturally. I’m rather busy today if you didn’t know.”

“Can’t you humor me just for a bit?”

——————————–

Time proved effective in restoring his memories. The puzzle was far from complete, but the edges were set in place and he began to form a vague picture of the past.

Nobody told him that they, on this island, had assisted in destroying the world in the name of Enoshima Junko. Nobody told him that they, on this island, had entered a program to help restore their hopeful selves where a series of gruesome murders and executions occurred at the hands of Enoshima Junko’s AI- one that another him released into a world meant for hope.

Nobody told him about his relationship with Komaeda.

——————————–

Hinata had asked Komaeda to join him on the second island’s vast library. With the bridge in progress, they ferried themselves over to it in silence. Komaeda was never the type to enjoy meaningless conversations, after all. So they kept to themselves, nervously poking at whatever while trying to get over to the island safely. It’s quiet, but not awkward as they step off the boat in sync.

The walk to the library wasn’t uncomfortable, but awkwardly brushing hands and stuttered apologies in response almost put him under the illusion that it was.

Memories of the past attempted to convince him that it was fine to be close to Komaeda, but it felt wrong when he wasn’t quite that him anymore. So he kept himself in line, stopped himself from impulsively grabbing Komaeda’s hand, and stopped himself from kissing him gently and calling him by his first name- at least until Komaeda was fine with that.

“So…why did you ask me here, Hinata-kun?” Komaeda asked, very obviously trying to lace innocence into the undertones.

“I know the truth now.”

Hinata was never the blunt type, but that definitely took the cake in terms of being direct.

“What truth? I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you-”

“I know we were together, Komaeda. I know about us being the Remnants of Despair, and I know about the Neo World Program.”

There, it was out. Komaeda looked incredulous for a moment, but blinked. His eyes weren’t quite so wide anymore. He breathed out a sigh in apparent acceptance.

“It was stupid to think you’d never know, huh?” Hinata could hear the fake smile hidden in his voice, dying the tone a soft shade of red.

“I guess you know now. Surely you’re disgusted, right? To think that you were close to someone like me….I don’t know if I’d be happy, either.”

“No, that’s wrong! I’m…I want to try this again. I might not be exactly the same, but I want to be by your side. If you’d like that, I mean.”

The boy opposite him didn’t say a word, instead took both of his hands in his and smiled. And that was confirmation enough.

——————————–

As long as it took to remember Nanami, Komaeda, and Enoshima, it took longer to remember the strange file resting in the only computer on the island. With a vague name such as PCS as a folder with only two items, two folders with the names “Observers” and “Users”, it left him clueless as to the true nature of whatever the nature of the files were. Nobody else seemed to know either.

Saionji told him to figure it out for herself and continued walking with Koizumi, who said that though the words seemed familiar, she didn’t know quite what they meant.

Owari shrugged and continued eating meat, never giving a conclusive answer. But the confusion in her eyes was enough to see that she didn’t know at all.

So skimming the files within the folder was sufficient at the moment. Two files rested quietly in the observer folders, code destroyed beyond belief. The one called Teacher.exe simply opened to a screen of editable binary, letters half-complete and words irrecoverable. It was nearly impossible to figure out what it was, other than that its name was Usami.

Student.exe was more confusing. Rather than the expected text editor of messy binary, a screen opened but full of missing pixels. A sound played, unidentifiable and sounded like a noise a computer would make. So he closed the files, hoping that whatever was in there remained intact, which it likely would.

The memory rush was like watching a horror movie with a sudden jumpscare. That was Nanami, it was Nanami fucking Chiaki. Her code was nearly unsalvageable, but in just good enough condition to be understood and rewritten. He guessed that, since the computer sat in the room he was told he went to often, he was trying to repair Student.exe or Teacher.exe.

With the Student.exe file nearly cohesive, already starting to be pieced together once more, it was more likely that Student.exe was almost repaired, that maybe they could have Nanami back again.

With that in mind, he let his talents take over.

——————————–

A knock at the door tore him away from the screen. More accurately, two brief knocks that were firm and almost loud, as if their fingers joints alone kissed the door. Groaning as his nearly numb legs carried him over, he opened the door unenthusiastically, rubbing the grogginess out of his eyes.

Komaeda stood there, hair tied back into a small ponytail, wearing no jacket and pajama pants with his everyday shirt as he walked in without an invitation. He simply smiled, sat beside the chair that Hinata was already returning to, cupped the side of Hinata’s face in his hand, and kissed his cheek tenderly.

“Komaeda, I-”

“Shh…she’d be so happy that you want to bring her back, but I think she’d also tell you that you’re overworking yourself. Come back after you rest.” Komaeda insisted. He wasn’t the insisting type, so Hinata could already taste the desire for him to rest hidden in his words.

“If it makes you happy.”

Hinata stood up, legs slightly less tingly and shaky, and walked away from the computer, not before forgetting to save his progress.

Somewhere, a half-finished program contained in a computer smiled for no reason other than her own happiness.

Student.exe just watched, program left open and let out a small laugh.

[neurospinethane]

The Importance of Posture in Children's Development

Children's general growth and well-being are greatly influenced by their posture. Good posture supports physical health, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Parents and caregivers must be proactive in encouraging proper posture from an early age. Consulting a neurosurgeon in Thane can provide valuable guidance and intervention if needed, ensuring children grow up with healthy and strong spines.

The Physical Impact of Good Posture

1. Spinal Alignment and Growth

Proper Alignment: Good posture helps maintain the natural curves of the spine, preventing abnormal curvatures such as scoliosis or kyphosis.

Healthy Growth: Proper posture ensures even pressure distribution across the spine, promoting healthy growth and development.

2. Muscle and Joint Health

Balanced Muscle Function: Correct posture prevents muscle imbalances that can lead to pain and discomfort. It also ensures that muscles are used efficiently, reducing the risk of strain and fatigue.

Joint Protection: Maintaining proper posture reduces stress on joints, preventing wear and tear that can lead to arthritis or other joint issues later in life.

3. Enhanced Physical Performance

Improved Balance and Coordination: Good posture supports better balance and coordination, crucial for physical activities and sports.

Injury Prevention: Proper posture minimizes the risk of injuries during physical activities by ensuring that the body moves in a balanced and efficient manner.

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Good Posture

1. Enhanced Concentration and Learning

Improved Blood Flow: Proper posture improves blood circulation, ensuring that the brain receives adequate oxygen and nutrients, which enhances concentration and cognitive function.

Better Breathing: Good posture facilitates optimal lung function, improving oxygen intake and promoting better focus and alertness.

2. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence

Positive Body Image: Children with good posture tend to have a more positive body image, leading to higher self-esteem and confidence.

Social Interactions: Confident posture can positively influence social interactions, helping children build better relationships with their peers.

Promoting Good Posture in Children

1. Encouraging Proper Sitting and Standing Habits

Sitting: Ensure children sit with their back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor. Chairs should provide adequate lumbar support.

Standing: Teach children to stand with their head held high, shoulders back, and weight evenly distributed on both feet.

2. Promoting Regular Physical Activity

Exercise: Frequent exercise fortifies the muscles supporting the spine. Activities such as swimming, yoga, and gymnastics are particularly beneficial.

Stretching: Incorporate stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle strain.

3. Ensuring Proper Backpack Use

Weight Distribution: Teach children to wear backpacks correctly, with both shoulder straps used. The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body weight.

Lightening the Load: Encourage children to carry only essential items to avoid excessive weight that can strain the back and shoulders.

4. Creating an Ergonomic Study Environment

Desk and Chair Height: Ensure that the study desk and chair are at appropriate heights to avoid slouching. The top of the computer screen should be at eye level to prevent neck strain.

Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting prevents hunching over work due to poor visibility.

When to Consult a Neurosurgeon in Thane

In some cases, poor posture may be indicative of underlying neurological issues. Consulting a neurosurgeon in Thane can help diagnose and address these concerns. Here’s when to seek professional advice:

Persistent Pain: If a child experiences ongoing back, neck, or shoulder pain despite corrective measures, a neurosurgeon can provide a thorough evaluation.

Visible Spinal Deformities: Noticeable spinal abnormalities, such as uneven shoulders or a pronounced curve in the spine, warrant professional assessment.

Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or coordination issues may indicate a neurological problem that requires expert attention.

Conclusion

Good posture is fundamental to a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. By encouraging healthy posture habits and addressing any issues early, parents can support their children's overall well-being. Neurosurgeon in thane, consulting with a neurosurgeon can provide specialized care for any posture-related concerns, ensuring children grow up with strong, healthy spines and a better quality of life.

[valgasnewsthings]

Sauna massage.

 And in such unique  temple for physical health as sauna and also entering,  a most strong effective remedy is massage. This development  culture still learning and today as universal recovering method. His appreciated  Crete , Rome, Indian used his 40 days as ritual for rejuvenation, At China used his  and manufactured a most simple and effective methods. In Japan, every person learned massage and self-massage, and appreciated on the Middle East. We are today using lots of tractions describing this procedure , but a most interesting work used Avicenna,  he offered following classification for massage kinds:

1. Strong.

2. Weak.

3.Continuous.

4.Moderate.

A strong massage strengthens body, weak is soft, continuation leads to slimming, moderate supporting a normal organism condition. And individual kind is rubbing with hard fabric, blood springs to the skin. In soft rubbing a blood in organs staying , and a harmful from harmful massage is less, than of easy , thus Avicenna advised used his for children's. A very strong massage stops grow in a children   .Also are selected ready  and restore massage. First using till physical exercises, second after  and using for resorption and removing   slags from the muscles tissues. Restoring massage  done with a begun strong massage  with oil, transferred to moderate, which asked in patient for  strain and relax muscles. After used fabric, and moved with her on an all body, and patient need breath slowly and on the end strain muscles,that for massage effect transfer for inside organs. And Avicenna sure   ,that a base massage goal are hardening fragility organs and hardening for soft. He manufactured a whole system for massage methods for increasing or decreasing muscle mass. And with massage are true miracles happening, that he is the best help against cellulitis, obesity, bad blood circulation, but with sauna procedure healing serious problems. And for traditional European sporty massage are having lots of contraindications, but we are share  later. And one interesting detail, that avoiding massaging fractures places , and body with scratches, common massage avoiding in pregnancy. And they are not affecting in moderate oily massage. But easy oily massage scratches healing, wounds, and bones healing in fractures.Special oily massage is also having, where muscles plasticity rising,that births are relieving. Spines muscles in pregnancy is benefit manufacturing, that right posture in carry baby is importance. Oil quantity leading to minimum, that in his rubbing are forces needing, and best oils for massage in pregnancy are mustard, coconut, peanut. These are right combinations as sauna, steam, shower, massage. A good relaxed body for massage is awesome combination, as preventing micro injures, and more accidents. And after massage avoiding cooling, but remove bad skin, sweat is need. Sauna, massage are deep manufacturing organism, which activating his base systems, opening blocked canals,they are matching each other and increasing. Today our organism in modern conditions, his natural forms for functioning are hard. And stimulating his  by lymph, blood  current , if not, results are weak muscle tone, tensions.A same   schemes for loadings and relaxing leading to bones deforming  and vertebra column. Organism, organs, systems are too deforming. And massage here too helping. He stimulating  lymph and blood current, muscle tone increase, tensions, removing factors, leading to forming pathologies, and bone system returning in normal condition. And thus any sporty team having massagist. Private massagist today is too expensive pleasure. He is fighting fatigue, returning sleep, and work regime for organs , systems returning to right work, and you are feeling better. Sauna is a best ready to massage, body is ready. By physical effects she ready body is softly ,same and complexly. About massage and sauna a need write individual books. And these are a few kinds and forms for massage, which not need for special ready. Ready procedure using for healing and for preventing goals , thus here we are sharing about these methods as attention more on a self massage methods and detailed about a needing these processes' provision.

from Valga s health news,gardening,and cooking ,and beauty . https://ift.tt/SBH4N3s via https://ift.tt/TO7F9Hn

[drmichaelvohrer]

Pediatric Head Deformities

Pediatric Head deformities

Pediatric head deformities are often seen as unnecessary to treat as they would anyway disappear spontaneously. What if not….

Why does a baby’s head become a deformity?

The skull of a baby is a very thin bone which grows within the first year tremendously. The volume of the head doubles within the first 6 to 7 months of life. Dependent on gravity and weight load, the skull bone is shaped and flattened in the weight bearing areas, as long as the child is mainly lying in its bed.

Some head deformities even developed before birth or even during birth. Those usually become better within a short period after the child is born.

Since the 1990 the incidence of head deformities is increasing, as the prophylaxis campaign of sudden infant death demands to position babies on the back while sleeping. Especially it the head is pointy consequently the head will tilt and rotate to one side.  

In case a child is positioning on one side preferably the skull flattens on this side and the exact opposite side which shapes a parallelogram like pattern of the whole skull. This pattern is called Plagiocephaly (“Plagio” Greek=oblique).

In case the baby would permanently be positioned on the back of the head a flat dorsal head could develop. This is called Brachycephaly (brachy= short).

Sometimes babies have orthopedic conditions which force the head to tilt in a certain position e.g. if one of the neck muscles is too short or injured during birth. Then this restricted movement does not allow the child to symmetrically move or position the head.

In rare cases the growth plates in the child’s skull are fused or partially fused which causes the head consequently to grow into an asymmetric shape.

Is an oblique head a problem for the baby?

It is often said that the obliquity is just a cosmetic problem which does not make any significant problems to the children. Recent studies are showing an interesting relationship in between the development of the child itself as well as the head shape.

The question is always why a child takes one specific position to develop a head deformity. A certain number of children develop a head deformity secondary as their development does not necessarily follow the physiologic milestones. In these cases the child has a developmental disadvantage and as a result the head shape changes due to the developmental delay, for example the inability to turn to one side, or the inability to free itself out of a certain position.

These children should be diagnosed properly and treated. Specific neurodevelopmental Physiotherapy can help these children developing their abilities. Very often then the head shape corrects within a reasonable timeframe.

Generally spoken we want to be as much symmetric as possible in the skull, as symmetry should be given in the eyes, ears, jaws, the basis of the cervical spine. Long term studies are still missing to scientifically confirm whether the oblique skull will really lead to increased numbers of orthodontic problems like crossbite or problems like migraine, cervical spine problems etc.

How can a pathologic head shape be diagnosed?

Your pediatrician or pediatric orthopedic doctor usually makes a complete examination of your child. Head shape, range of motion and development will be examined. Sometimes an ultrasound of the head helps to rule out more significant growth plate related deformities.

How can a plagiocephaly be avoided or treated?

There a different treatment options if you discover an obliquity of your child’s head. These are dependent on the individual age and development of the baby. Your pediatric orthopedic doctor or pediatrician can help you in the diagnosis and discuss with you the treatment options.

Positioning therapy, positioning of the bed in relation to room attractions and toys, alternate breastfeeding can help adapting the baby’s head rotation to both sides.

Daily “tummy time” under observation will strengthen the related neck muscles and decrease the load on the head and can prevent positional head deformities

There are certain either wedged or donut shaped pillows which can be placed under the mattress or the bedsheet to proper align the baby’s head. Here the actual guidelines to prevent sudden infant death do recommend a positioning therapy but do also explicitly restrict to put pillows in infant’s beds.

Specific developmental Physiotherapy (Bobath, Vojta) can help improving the baby’s milestone and motoric development.

In case the deformity will not improve up to a certain age a helmet therapy can guide the growth of the head to a proper alignment over time.

What does the helmet treatment do?

Individually measured and produced Helmets will guide the growth of the head without putting pressure to the physiologic growth. With the individual shape of these Helmets growth is distributed more in the areas which are more deficient in growth, so automatically the head shape corrects during further growth. The Helmet should be worn about 23 hours during a day in this time. In relation to any other therapy Helmets can correct Head deformities fast and safe

When is the best time to start a helmet treatment?

As the head grows significantly within the first year of life and the growth speed is less active after the first year it is an advantage to be finished with the helmet treatment at the age of about one year. To achieve an appropriate result your doctor might recommend the treatment depending on the clinical findings between the age of 6 to 8 months, to be finished with the treatment at the age of 1 year. A helmet treatment which is started too late might have to be continued for a longer period of time and might not be able to completely correct the head deformity.

Are there any risks or downsides involved in doing the helmet treatment?

Modern Helmets are ultra-lightweight, often 3D printed and extremely air ventilated, so that the possibility of sweating, skin irritation and pressure marks under the helmet can be minimized.

In case the insurance does not cover the cost there are expenses for the manufacturing of the helmet. These can vary dependent on the used materials and need for adaptions. Usually a specific maintenance of the helmet and usually digital head measurement follow up is included in the cost.

Summary:

The therapy of head deformities requires an early and stage related therapy which has a n excellent outcome if parents are involved and instructed. Prophylaxis of head deformities has a major impact on the development and is easy to do if instructed regularly. In case a deformity develops stage related therapy from adaption of daily habits, positioning, to physiotherapy and orthotic treatment with Helmets is a proven therapy pathway.

Dr. Michael Vohrer

Peadiatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

Circle Care Clinic

Plagiocephaly

mild                                       moderate                                            severe

Brachycephaly                                   asymmetric Brachycephaly

Plagiocephaly                                    Scaphocephaly

Plagiocephaly                                    Helmet function