“Text Neck” - It’s a real problem
Here’s how to combat “text-neck” - the modern day spinal problem
Mobile phone usage is causing excessive stress and strain in the neck due to incorrect posture. This can lead to pain which is indicative of damage of the spine - which yes, over time, can be seen on x-rays. With Texts, Emails, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp and the list goes on and on, all on our phones it’s a lot of time spent head down, neck flat, spine under stress!
Your head weighs about 10 pounds or 1 bowling ball. 15 degrees of flexion is equivalent of 3 bowling balls of weight held up by your neck. 30 degrees is 4 bowling balls and 45 degrees is 5 bowling balls! How long do you use your mobile phone for?
The neck neutral position is the most efficient way of carrying the weight of your head.
So knowing this amount of pressure does cause you pain and in the long term, potentially permanent damage to your spine, what are some ways to fix and prevent this? And let’s face it, throwing your phone in the bin is not an option!
Get assessed by your chiropractor, x-rays will reveal any damage done.
Get regularly adjusted by your chiropractor to get your structure corrected and postural muscles working as they should.
Ask us how to assume the correct posture and learn to be aware and conscious of your posture.
Set reminders on your computer or phone for yourself to reset your posture back to neutral position
Invest in our Posture Vest - which can be worn under shirts or jackets.
Practice exercises which strengthen the weak postural muscles and stretch those tight ones.
Get your desk ergonomically set up. Unsure? Ask us!
Make sure your pillow is supporting your neck. Unsure? Ask us!
Instead of looking down at your phone, bring the phone up to your eyeline with your neck in neutral position.
Want to read more? Click through to an interview with Dr Ken Hansraj from the New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine. http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2015/s4159393.htm?WT.mc_id=Innovation_Radio-TheWorldToday|TextNeck_FBP|abc