Of course you do! In fact, you’re probably reading this on your phone right now. While smartphones make life more convenient, they can also contribute to neck and back pain if we’re not careful about our posture.
A recent study published in Ergonomics (2024) recommends avoiding leaning your head forward by more than 20 degrees when using your phone. That might not seem like much, but small posture changes can add up over time, especially if you're glued to your device for hours every day.
When your head leans too far forward, it puts additional strain on your neck and spine. The more your head tilts, the heavier it feels to the muscles supporting it, leading to discomfort and eventually, pain. Known as text neck or tech neck, this problem is becoming increasingly common in our digital age.
How Can You Prevent Smartphone-Related Neck Pain?
Here are a few quick tips:
- Keep your phone at eye level: This keeps your head in a neutral position and reduces strain.
- Take breaks: Limit the time spent continuously looking down at your screen. Every 20-30 minutes, shift your posture or take a short walk.
- Stretch: Regularly stretch your neck and upper back muscles to keep them flexible and reduce tension.
While we can't avoid using our smartphones, we can be more mindful of how we hold them and how long we spend in one position. Good posture is crucial for long-term spinal health, and even small adjustments can make a big difference!
Experiencing Neck or Back Pain? Back2Strength Can Help!
At Back2Strength, your trusted Eugene chiropractor, we focus on improving your joint function and posture to relieve pain and prevent future problems. If you're dealing with neck pain or discomfort from excessive phone use, we can help you develop strategies and exercises to alleviate it. Our personalized chiropractic care can get your spine back on track, so you can stay connected without pain!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let’s make sure your phone habits aren’t causing long-term damage!
#cellphone #neckpain #backpain #EugeneChiropractor #Back2Strength
Source: Chen YL, Ergonomics, July 2024.
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