Chances are you’re reading this blog post on a digital device. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets have become indispensable in our everyday lives. We use them for work, for pleasure, for entertainment, and for staying connected with friends and family.
However, as useful as these devices are, they can also have negative effects on our health. Let’s look at the ways digital devices can be harmful to physical health, and what we can do to combat those effects.
Is Tech Time a Pain in Your Neck?
One of the most common physical health effects of digital device use is neck pain. When you’re looking down at your phone or tablet for long periods, it puts a strain on your neck muscles and can lead to pain and discomfort. Additionally, if you tend to hunch over your device, it can lead to rounded shoulders, which can cause back pain.
Chiropractor Dr Jeff commonly sees people with their heads down, staring at their phones, and if you do that for a prolonged period of time, it will cause damage to your spine. Here are his tips to use your devices without causing discomfort:
Tip #1
Rest your arms against your chest and stomach, and hold your phone at eye level. This position takes a lot of stress and strain off the neck.
You can also try doing some simple neck exercises or stretches several times a day. For back pain or rounded shoulders, try sitting up straight or using a posture corrector when using your devices.
Tip #2
It’s common to see people working on computers rolling their heads and shoulders forward. If you catch yourself doing that, Dr Jeff has an exercise for you to do: roll your shoulders up, back and down, holding and retracting your head backwards. Hold this position for 10 seconds. You will feel the muscles in the back and neck contract. Doing this exercise will help build strength and reverse the negative effects of technology.
If you’re experiencing tech neck or other pain related to digital device use, give our practice a call today!