Unfortunately, modern technology is not necessarily doing
good for our bodies. I wrote about
a “Forward Head Posture” and “Texting Thumb” a while back. There is an increasing problem we can’t
overlook.
“Text Neck” is happening
more to younger people, even small children. It’s not caused by just texting, but using any types of handheld mobile devices including tablets for long
periods of time. Looking down
at a device causes the back of the neck overstretched and inflamed. The common symptoms are headaches, pain in the shoulders, neck,
back, arms, elbows, and wrists, and even numbness and tingling of the arms and
hands. Dr. Dean Fishman, who
coined the term “Text Neck,” calls this condition “a harmful and dangerous physical condition on the human body.” The long term risks can be flattening or reversing the natural spinal curve,
early onset of arthritis, spinal degeneration, disc herniations and
etc. This poor posture decreases
the lung capacity leading to vascular
disease, and puts pressure on the organs causing gastrointestinal problems.
It sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it?
How do we avoid “Text Neck”? Old habits die hard, but think seriously about
the long term consequences especially if you are still young. Here are suggestions.
Tablet stands / docking stations:
Use a stand or a docking station to put your device closer to
your eye level.
“Text Neck Indicator” (for Android):
This app alerts you when you tilt a smartphone too low and are at
risk for Text Neck. Unfortunately,
I haven’t yet found an app for iPhone.
Look up!
Look up and turn your head left and right 10 times whenever
possible.
Do exercises: