Neck pain from texting and device use

According to data gathered by Flurry Analytics, the average US consumer is spending five hours per day on their mobile devices. That’s five hours per day hunched over a screen, increasing the load that your neck must support. This strain, over time, can lead to significant pain in your neck and a long list of possible medical complications. With good posture, the human neck is designed to support the weight of your head which, on average, weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. Studies show that looking at our phones can shift the head forward and down, in turn increasing the amount of weight that the neck must support up to 60 pounds or more. It is critical to realize the potential impact that this habitual increase of pressure on our necks can have so we can make change for the better. 

Here are some tips to reduce and prevent the pain caused by increased time spent looking at mobile devices. 

Retrain yourself.
We are so used to looking down at our devices. Start training yourself to hold your device at eye level to reduce the potential health complications of using mobile devices. 

Stretch.
Posture correcting stretches will prove tremendously effective at reducing the pain caused by misalignment. Here is a link to a video that shows an example of one such stretch. 

Take a break.
Other behaviors such as reading don’t seem to have as much of an effect on the spine. Why? The answer is simple; when reading, it is common to look and move around frequently. Taking breaks and being mindful of how long you have been looking down will help reduce the chances of long-term problems. 

Exercise.
Like stretching, it is important to do exercises that will help improve posture. Especially important are exercises that improve core and shoulder strength. This article provides examples of posture-improving exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

These tips should help you develop strategies to limit the pain and long-term complications caused by mobile device usage. In addition to these tips, visit us at Pure Life Chiropractic, located in downtown Eugene! We can help by crafting personal care plans to improve posture and return your body to its natural alignment. Call to schedule your appointment today: 541-343-5633.