Everyone has an iPhone, ipod, Blackberry or high tech phone these days. Texting, internet searches and long periods of time are spent on these tiny gadgets. Technology is great, but problems with fingers, wrists, forearms, neck and back are becoming common place because of bad ergonomics and posture when using our new technology.
Go to any cafe or restaurant at lunchtime and you will see people on their cell phones or reading, looking down for long periods of time and texting without taking a break. This can lead to neck, shoulder, arm and wrist pain.
Having your head down for long periods of time starts to put an added burden to your neck muscles, ligaments and bones! It is a good idea to place your phone at a level where your eyes are even with the screen and you are not looking down.
When tweeting, SMSing or emailing, take a break once in a while and stretch your forearms, fingers and neck. Every 20 minutes is recommended. This is going to help you prevent long term stress leading to problems later on. While taking this break practice looking far and near to exercise your eyes and keep your lenses in shape.
At Precise Moves Chiropractic, we can help you with any problems you may have with your neck, back, hands, forearms and any joint in your body! We will provide proper exercises and ergonomic advice to keep your body healthy and functioning properly. Don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment today. 650.353.1133. We’ll help show you how to make the most out of new technology while remaining pain free.
Thank you for addressing this issue! My neck has been sore and hurting ever since I got this iPhone (I use it too much for my own good). I wonder, are there anything exercises or special stretches we can do to relieve ourselves of this? I’m currently trying to distance myself from my phone but it’s somewhat difficult.
My jaw seems to have become much tighter, too, and it started to become tense after I got this phone. Whenever I sleep, I clench my teeth and wake up feeling pressure in my teeth after a long night of pushing them against each other.
Is there any advice you can give?
yes, you can take one arm and put it behind your back, then with the other hand, put it on the opposite side of your head and pull your head toward your ear (right over your shoulder). This should help stretch the trapezius muscle. Then roll your shoulders back and forth. Shrug your shoulders as well. This will help a bit. If you are experiencing a tightness in your jaw muscles and grind your teeth, you may have TMJ. See a local chiropractor. They can help