There's no doubt about it: technology has had a significant effect on our posture - which in turn affects our heath. (Not to mention the dangers of texting and driving!) I don't know anyone without a cell phone, and with that brings chronic muscle challenges. It seems we're always looking down.
Chiropractors and doctors are seeing more and more people for these back and neck conditions resulting from texting and mobile phone use, aptly called, "Text Neck."
As you can see from the diagram above, just moving your head one or two inches forward can make the weight of your head so much heavier, putting strain on the muscles that keep it stable!
Are you experiencing tension in your neck? Here are several things you can do to avoid or overcome postural conditions such as "text neck":
- Avoid excessive cell phone use
- Be conscious of your posture - and correct yourself when you find you are hunching over (wear a specific bracelet or tie a string around your arm if it helps you remember!)
- Drink lots of water - water helps hydrate and loosen your muscles
- Spend 15 minutes a day laying down on the floor with your feet up on a chair (see diagram below)
- Give yourself adequate time to recover after a workout - especially when doing weight bearing exercises
- Sleep on a high-quality, firm pillow
- Stretch
Of course, if you are experiencing pain, seeing a doctor or chiropractor is best to help you resolve the issues causing discomfort.
As we become more and more reliant on technology for daily activities, we must not forget the effect it may have on our bodies. Nothing is worse than having to undergo surgery or take medication for a condition that could have been prevented by being proactive.
*http://www.healthcareglobal.com/healthcare_technology/text-neck-is-affecting-mobile-phone-addicts
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