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It’s Time To Look Up!
Health | January 22, 2015
Let’s face it: whether it’s work, play or to just kill time, we are obsessed with our smartphones and computers. And now people are complaining about their aching necks more than ever. Our obsessions with gadgets aside the main culprit is our horrible posture when using our smartphones or computers. We slump our shoulders and bend our necks for hours at a time throughout the day. Some have even named it ‘text neck’ due to the growing number of people struggling with sore necks. Chronic neck pain has become an epidemic in today’s world.
When we crane our necks at an unnatural angle when texting or browsing the internet, we put a significant amount of strain on our cervical spine and on the surrounding muscles. Our spine is forced out of alignment and our muscles tense up to compensate for the burden. Over time, this leads to chronic pain, pinched nerves even herniated discs. Worse, constantly having our necks forward can lead to permanently altering the shape of our spine.
According to Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, we are putting anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds of additional pressure on our neck and spine the more we crane our necks forward and down. 60 pounds! And that’s in addition to our head already weighing 8 to 10 pounds. Think of it this way, the average bowling ball weighs only 16 pounds by comparison. In other words, that’s an impossible load for our neck to carry even for a professional football player with a neck the size of a tree trunk.
I know it’s next to impossible to abandon our smartphones and computers. Many of us have to use them constantly for work not just play. Aside from limiting use though, there are legitimate steps we can take to remedy or prevent neck pain. Be aware of your posture. Stand up and stretch every half hour to an hour for a couple of minutes focusing on your chest, shoulders, upper back and neck. Make this a part of your daily routine.
Most importantly, look up! The sun may be shining. Hope springs eternal. Yes, I’m telling you to get off your phone or computer and go outside! Stop and smell the roses. We all need that reminder, myself included.
P.S. Would any of you guys like a quick tutorial on how best to stretch your neck and upper back to relieve fatigue and pain? Let me know!
Private Member |
seattle, washington
Hi Zuzka, A tutorial on stretching the neck and back would be great!
Private Member |
Yes I would love that as well!
Private Member |
bucaramanga, colombia
Hi Z, it would be excellent!!! Cause now this is the common of our lifes!!
Private Member |
I am not really addicted to my phone, I actually just use it for punctual messages. However, I do spend a lot of time in front of my computer: I use it to keep in touch with my friends and family since I live abroad; social networks; blogging; youtube; I use it to watch films, TV series and listening to music; and more importantly, I use it for my studies. I really should make a change, and get more away from it, but, specially in winter, it is difficult for me 😛 I would love to know more on how to “palliate” the side effects, and how to relieve neck pain since it is usually what hurts me on the long days in front of the screen.
•The Health Blog for the Lazy Girl•
Private Member |
manchester, united kingdom
yes that would be great, thanks Zuzka
Private Member |
ohio, usa
Yes please! I have dealt with chronic tension headaches for several years. Working out helps, but I know I need to stretch these areas more often.
Private Member |
naples, fl, usa
Yes please do the tutoriAl!
Private Member |
Please do
Private Member |
Yes yes yes…that would be so helpful, thats a great idea Zuzka, can’t wait. Grazie Ciao
Private Member |
Yes! I sit at a desk all day and would love to know how to properly stretch it. Thanks Zuzka!
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
yes, absolutely! & thank you for the reminder. I’m at work but I’m going to step outside and take a deep breath!