Neurologist Smirnova: Bad posture in a teenager can lead to alopecia

How can bad posture in teenagers affect hair loss?

Lidiya Smirnova: To answer this question, we need to understand the structure of the hair. It is a complex system consisting of an external part – the shaft, which we see above the skin surface, and a hidden part – the root (follicle), located in the thickness of the skin. Its work is provided by a whole system of components: sebaceous and sweat glands, a special lifting muscle, a branched network of blood vessels and sensitive nerve fibers. The key role in the life cycle of the hair is played by its base – the bulb with the matrix. This is where the formation and growth of new hair occurs.

Deterioration of hair growth occurs primarily due to a disruption in the blood flow to the hair follicles and disruptions in the passage of nerve impulses.

How does this relate to the poor posture of modern children?

Lidiya Smirnova: Incorrect posture can spoil normal blood circulation throughout the body and even lead to displacement of internal organs. The intercostal muscles gradually shorten, the diaphragm works worse, problems with air circulation arise, and oxygen deficiency occurs in the blood. The entire body suffers from hypoxia, including this affects the nutrition of hair follicles.

Incorrect head position can further disrupt blood circulation in the carotid arteries, which supply blood not only to the brain but also to the scalp. As a result, the follicles do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and hair growth deteriorates.

When do problems arise?

Lidiya Smirnova: Already in childhood, against the background of incorrect posture, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal column can form, what we call osteochondrosis. This is expressed primarily in a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the vertebrae, changes in the joints and ligamentous apparatus of the spine.

Juvenile osteochondrosis is known as Scheuermann-Mau and Quallier disease. This disease manifests itself during the period of active growth and development of the skeleton, usually at the age of 11-18 years. In such children, we often see problems with hair growth.

Thus, if parents notice that their child's hair is thinning, growing poorly and falling out, this is a reason to take health seriously. It is necessary to comprehensively assess the state of the body, conduct diagnostics. And treatment must necessarily include measures to correct posture.

It is widely believed that hair begins to actively fall out due to severe or, conversely, chronic stress. Is this true?

Lidiya Smirnova: Alopecia can have different causes. Often these are physiological conditions accompanied by hormonal changes and changes in the functioning of the nervous system – for example, the postpartum period, the post-puberty period, menopause. Hair thinning also occurs with the natural aging of the body.

Although, indeed, mental overstrain and stressful situations that lead to increased production of cortisol negatively affect hair follicles. Neuroinfections and radiation exposure, including the effects of radiotherapy, pose a serious threat to hair health.

Various autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, such as polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis, can also provoke hair loss. No less dangerous are mechanical injuries to the scalp and intoxications caused by exposure to toxic substances contained in food, drinks or industrial materials.

In addition, some medications provoke alopecia: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, neuroleptics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antiparkinsonian drugs. This list also includes cytostatics, beta-blockers, interferon alpha drugs, antiherpetic, antiviral and some antibiotics. Taking oral contraceptives and dopamine mimetics has a negative effect on hair growth.

What measures should be taken to reduce risks?

Lidiya Smirnova: There are some very simple preventive measures, you need to know about them and try to follow these simple rules. These are:

1. Formation of correct posture.

2. Regular physical activity that is appropriate for the child: physical therapy, walking, swimming, skiing or skating. But overloads should be avoided.

3. Balanced nutrition.

4. Good, sufficient sleep.

5. Rational attitude to stress factors. Mental hygiene. Development of stress resistance (self-education, yoga classes, work with a psychologist).

6. Avoid exposure to toxic substances (nicotine, alcohol, drugs, etc.).

7. Use hairsprays and gels as little as possible. Limit the use of hair dyes and shampoos that contain harmful components.

For example, toxic substances used in the production of shampoos include: Diethanolamine (DEA), Phthalates, LAS-Tenside, Benzenes, Propylene glycol, Parabens, Triclosan, ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

8. Limit the impact of toxic chemicals in everyday life as much as possible (choose natural detergents, furniture, flooring, windows, etc.).

9. Do not use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair.

10. Daily thorough combing of hair with a massage brush at least 100 times (it is better to use a wooden brush).

11. Conduct courses of manual self-massage of the scalp or use a special massager (dermaroller) for this purpose. The duration and frequency of such courses will be selected by the doctor – taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

12. While working at a desk, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes for exercise (to improve blood flow).

13. Avoid prolonged work with your head/body tilted forward or backward.