“Text Neck” is becoming a global EPIDEMIC.   On average, Americans spend approximately 3 hours per day communicating and socializing on their phones, and even more time looking down at their mobile devices for web searching and so many other uses. Of course, Text Neck is not limited to the results of texting and the overuse of cell phones.  People of all ages spend countless hours daily hunched over numerous types of handheld devices. Mobile technology has been designed for just about every application. Tablets, PDAs, MP3s, game consoles, e-readers, media players, digital cameras, and video recorders, the list goes on and on.  A 2010 Pew Research Center study found that 75% of teens have cell phones and send an average of 100 text messages per day.  Add to that the recent usage surge of Snapchat and Instagram and it becomes alarming how much our kids are in a forward-neck, face-down posture every day.

This frequent abnormal posture in South Austin TX can cause headache, neck pain, arm pain and numbness, and upper back pain.   A normal standing position is facing forward and all the curves of your neck and spine are in correct alignment. But when you drop your chin onto your chest for a long period you are stretching the whole structure and perhaps causing permanent damage and future chronic effects.

If you’re a heavy technology user, you can take steps to avoid developing these problems. Try raising your cell phone screen to your eye level, stretch your fingers periodically, avoid writing long emails on the phone, and take frequent breaks. Also, when you’re going out, try only bringing the tech gadgets you need for the day to avoid straining your back and shoulders with heavy loads.

Here Are Several Tips for Proper Posture While at Your Computer in South Austin TX

• Make sure that the weight of your arms is supported at all times. If your arms are not supported the muscles of your neck and shoulders will be crying by the end of the day.
• Watch your head position and try to keep the weight of your head directly above its base of support (neck). Don’t crane your head and neck forward.
• Don’t be a slouch. Slouching puts more pressure on the discs and vertebrae of your back. Use the lumbar support of your chair and avoid sitting in a way that places body weight more on one than on the other. Move your chair as close to your work as possible to avoid leaning and reaching. Make sure to scoot your chair in every time you sit down.
• The monitor should be placed directly in front of you with the top no higher than eye level. The keyboard should be directly in front of the monitor so you don’t have to frequently turn your head and neck.
• Talking on the phone with the phone receiver jammed between the neck and ear is really bad practice. You know that’s true so don’t do it!
• The keyboard and the mouse should be close enough to prevent excessive reaching which strains the shoulders and arms.
• Avoid eye strain by making sure that your monitor is not too close. It should be at least an arm’s length away.
• Take steps to control screen glare and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front of a window or a bright background.
• You can rest your eyes periodically for several seconds by looking at objects at a distance to give your eyes a break.
• The feet should not be dangling when you are seated. If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor or there is pressure on the backs of your legs use a footrest or lower the keyboard and chair.

The Doctors at Kapsner Chiropractic Centers in Cedar Park TX, Bastrop TX, South Austin TX, North Austin TX, and Round Rock TX can help you prevent and treat technology-related pain. Chiropractic is a proven method of treating back, shoulder, and neck pain. A combination of Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and exercise along with paying attention to your posture and ergonomics while using your smartphone and computer will go a long way in preventing not only acute pain but chronic problems that otherwise could result.