Forms
Today tablets and smartphones are an inseparable part of our everyday life. So many people spend hours messaging their friends or playing games. The worst part is that they all do it with the neck bent forward, shoulders rounded, and arms holding the phone up in front of our eyes. These positions are terrible for the neck and can lead to a painful condition called “Tech Neck.” This post discusses everything you need to know about Tech Neck.
Cary Chiropractic Care Tips: Dealing with Tech Neck
Quick Facts About Tech Neck & What Causes It
- The human head weighs about 12 pounds, and at a 15-degree angle, it weighs almost 27 pounds. At a 45-degree angle, it can weigh up to 50 pounds.
- Americans spend around 2.7 hours daily texting, checking emails, and surfing the web from their smartphones.
- The amount of pressure we put on our spine daily using our smartphones is comparable to carrying an eight-year-old child around our neck for a few hours.
- Kids might spend up to 1,400 hours per year in positions that can lead to Tech Neck.
How Bad is Tech Neck?
Tech Neck is defined as neck pain caused by repeated strain and injury to the neck muscles and other tissues around the cervical spine. These symptoms are signs of Tech Neck:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the upper back
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Loss of the natural curve of the spine
- Unusual bone growth at the base of the skull
The Easy Solution
The most straightforward approach to preventing Tech Neck is encouraging your children and yourselves to take a break and stretch. Taking a short break from using a tablet or smartphone once every 15 minutes can decrease the likelihood of neck pains and headaches. In addition to this simple approach, you can raise and position your smartphone at eye level to avoid bending your neck. Also, it is recommended that you get up and occasionally move if you are sitting for long periods.
Allocating time to regular daily exercise can be a positive step towards preventing Tech Neck. It can strengthen your muscles reducing tension, especially if the exercises focus on strengthening your upper body, including the neck.
Preston Chiropractic & Acupuncture
If you need help with the symptoms of Tech Neck or any other painful spine, neck, or back condition, contact Preston Chiropractic & Acupuncture. Our spine specialists can help relieve neck, spine, or back conditions using advanced procedures. We treat various painful conditions and help you get back to feeling great in no time. In Cary, chiropractic care is just a phone call away, so call 919-238-5040 today and schedule an appointment.
