Texting Leads to Neck and Back Pain

Did you know that too much texting can cause neck and back pain? A new study shows that the more people are hooked in texting, the larger the possibility that they will experience neck and back pain. The average weight of a person’s head is about 10 – 12 pounds when in an upright position but because of the gravitational pull, it weighs heavier when you bend your head more. Since bending the neck just to answer a text message of look at your selfie puts 60 pounds of pressure on your spine, which is the average weight for a 7 year old! The amount of pain whether on the back or neck, increases when the volume of texting increases too. Not only can your neck or back hurt but also your thumb and wrists because of texting.

Anytime you spend standing or sitting with your head bent down or forward, it leads to back or neck pain. Your ligaments are getting stressed and these stresses may lead to tear, early wear, degeneration and possibly surgeries. That is of course, if you don’t train and discipline yourself. There is a way to stop the downgrade in ligaments and its simple; stand up, stretch, rotate your neck every 30 minutes. Take mini-breaks because our ligaments change their position every 20-30 minutes. Don’t wait for long periods of time before you stretch.

Chiropractors can also help you with your neck and back problems due to texting too much. Chiropractic care is a natural way to alleviate a person’s neck and back pain without using any drugs or medications. Chiropractic triggers your body to heal itself in the most natural way. It focuses on maintaining your health to naturally resist any pain or disease. Chiropractors locate, analyze and gently correct vertebral misalignments or subluxations in the spine which can be caused by texting.

Here are some tips to help you prevent neck and back pain:

• Refrain from sitting in the same position for long periods of time
• Pay attention to your posture while sitting. Your monitor should eye level and your knees should be bent 90 degrees and your feet flat on the ground
• To keep from putting too much pressure on your neck or back, lean against the chair’s backrest and your mobile device rests on the desk
• Use both thumbs when texting
• Stay active
• If you feel soreness on your neck or back, stop texting and rest

Aside from the tips above, a regular chiropractic adjustment can help you treat and gear away from neck and back pain. Always have a good posture. Standing with the right posture not only makes you look good but it also optimizes your health.