Texting Neck
In today’s modern society, the use of technology is endless. You can see it everywhere. For example using something simple as a microwave for heating up food, using the public transport system to catch a ride and most commonly using mobile phones to communicate with one another.
While originally mobile phones were designed so that we could call other people without being attached to a wall outlet. These days it is more commonly used to send instant messages, emails, photo images and to even run your business from.
The prevalence in this surge of technology has caused many people to constantly be using their phones. This means body mechanics that results in holding the phone at a comfortable level for ones arms. The downside to this position is that the persons head will need to tilt down to enable them to see what they are doing on the screen, resulting in the neck being placed in a position of extreme flexion.
By placing the neck in such a position, the natural balance and weight distribution has been altered. The average human head weights about 4.5kg-5.5kg. When the head is moved out of neutral position, the amount of force being generated on the cervical spine can be as much as 6 times the regular amount! To place this in perspective, imagine an average 8 year old child sitting on your neck; that’s the amount of weight that can be generated when leaning forward too far.
However, all is not lost for the compulsive texters out there. Some tips that you can use to help reduce the strain on your neck are available.
1) Raising the phone – This not only helps give your arms a light endurance workout, but it allows your neck to sit more comfortably while carrying your head, just as the body was designed to do naturally.
2) Standing up straight – Similarly with carrying the head, the rest of your spine is carrying the weight of the body above it. So stand tall is the most important twitter post you’ll ever make!
3) Stretching – Stretching the muscles of the neck help to keep them flexible, allowing them to relieve any built up tension and to also increase blood flow. This is not only important for the neck, but also the shoulders, as some muscles are attached to both points.
4) Taking regular breaks – If you find you are on the phone a lot, take time to walk away, grab a drink, go for a walk, and just move about. Staying in any one position outside of neutral posture can cause harm to the body and the tissues that support it.
But even if doing all these things and you find you are still experiencing any pain, stiffness, headaches or constant discomfort, come book in with one of our practitioners at Bergamo Chiropractic. We have trained Chiropractors, Myotherapists and a Nutritionist that can talk to you and help treat problems you may experiencing.
Contact us on 9887 4144.