Did you know that over 96% of Americans own cell phones?!? You read that right! That is a massive amount of people! Add to that to the average 5.4 hours per person of daily cell phone use and you're bound to have some issues, including a MASSIVE amount of unexpected health problems!
Let's talk about one of them... Text Neck!
What is it? It is neck strain from the overuse of mobile devices.
What causes it? We hunch over with our necks drooped forward and our shoulders rounded while answering texts, reading emails, or scrolling through social media on our cell phones. Basically, it's poor posture.
How do we avoid it? The American Chiropractic Association gives these important tips:
Sit up straight with your chest out and your shoulders back.
Bring your arms up in front of your eyes so that you don’t need to look down to see the screen.
Tuck your chin into your chest to look down rather than dropping your head forward.
If you must use your mobile device for lengthy typing, invest in an external keyboard.
Rest your forearms on a pillow while typing to help minimize neck tension.
Avoid using mobile devices while in bright sunlight. Straining to see the screen leads to jutting the chin forward, shifting work from the spine to the muscles that hold up the head.
Avoid looking at your phone for long periods of time while traveling in the car.
The best way to avoid Text Neck is to limit the use of your mobile device. If you need to send an e-mail, wait until you have access to a computer. If you need to share some information, call the person rather than texting them.
Wondering if you have it? Here's how to know...
Neck soreness and difficulty turning your head, especially after being on your cell phone for a long period of time.
Dull aching pain in one spot or throughout an area of the neck
Radiating pain into the shoulder blades, shoulders or into the arms
Headache or muscle tightness at the back of your head
If you're feeling any of these symptoms, come on into the office! Hurry up... don't wait! The longer you wait, the harder the process is... although still possible. We have a wonderful program of exercises, laser, and adjustments to get you feeling, looking, and functioning normally again. It'll be worth every minute!
Your pain will no longer be a pain in the neck!
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