How Texting Affects Your Neck !!

The life of a modern man has become synonymous with network and technology.  In such a situation, it is no surprise that the cell phone in your hand has taken over your mind! We have all seen how technology affects the social life, but what if your spine and neck is also affected by it? What if you also have a “tech neck”?

Yes, according to recent medical research, it’s a real thing !  According to Kenneth Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitative Medicine, poor posture especially while you are on cell phone, sitting or standing can tremendously affect your health. Hansraj says, “It’s a lot of load, an amazing amount of weight to be carrying around your neck.”

The impact of texting on your neck

When the spine is in neutral position, the neck bears about 5kgs. At 15 degrees [forward], the neck weighs 12kgs. At 45 degrees, it is 22kgs, and while at 60 degrees, it’s 27kgs.

Almost 27kgs of stress falls on the neck muscles and nerves that are meant to handle 5kgs of stress, hence causing a lot of damage over time.

What are the consequences?

The development of a text neck may lead to tears within the disc, neck pain, a slipped or herniated disc.  On to the next area of concern is the “Blackberry thumb”. As shown by researchers at Cornell University, that's an injury you get from texting for hours with your thumbs. It can cause long-lasting damages like tendinitis as well.

So what can be done?

This “tech neck” has been becoming a very common thing especially among the youth . The upper part of the spine is normally curved, to allow nerves plenty of space to pass through the neck and out into the body. We’re so involved in our phones that we’re are holding it at chest or waist-level, and looking down at the device. This causes the neck muscles to be shortened, tightened, and shoulders to be rounded forward. 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Stretch around at regular intervals.
2. Switch between using thumbs and forefingers to text.
3. Use a voice-texting assistant.
4. Try using the predictive text functions, which suggest words for you as you type on your phone.
5. You might also just make a phone call instead.
6. Stay hydrated. If you’re dehydrated, then the tissues are drier and stickier, allowing all of the muscles and nerves to be more squished together.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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