The dangers of too much screen time go beyond eye strain and mood swings. If you're not careful, it can cause severe neck pain and even damage to the spine in the long-time.
Technology-related neck pain is not a new problem, but it has begun to appear more frequently in individuals due to the use of electronic devices throughout the day.
The general cause of these neck pains is due to stiffness caused by repetitive strain of the muscles in the back of the neck. The most common reason for this is as a result of head posture forward, as many people do when using a smartphone or computer.
On average, the head of an adult weighs about 4 to 6 kg.
The skull is designed to sit on top of the neck. When you look straight ahead, the muscles in your neck are relaxed and do not require much energy to be expended. However, if you tilt your head forwards at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees, your neck is put under much more strain,
applying a force on your neck equivalent to a weight of about 20 to 30kg.
If you constantly tilt your head downwards to look at your mobile phone, you may have a long The duration affects your posterior neck muscles, which are not designed to withstand so much force. This can lead to pain, stiffness, muscle tension, fatigue and general discomfort. Some people may also experience headaches radiating from pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back, as well as tingling or numbness in the arms and hands. If this condition persists, it can cause serious problems such as neck flattening.
So what should I do?
The best ways to prevent repetitive neck strain and reduce pain are to maintain proper posture and have strong neck muscles. Here's how you can do this:
Using ergonomic accessories that can help you sit upright or angle devices better, such as a supportive chair, adjustable desk, or laptop stand.
Holding your phone higher to accommodate a more natural viewing position.
Taking frequent breaks from devices (approximately every 20 to 30 minutes).
Doing light neck and shoulder stretching movements regularly.
I have already done these before, but my neck pain continues, what should I do?
The situations I mentioned above may help relieve your pain, but may not completely eliminate the problem. If your problems continue, you may need to get professional help.
If you are in this situation and want to live a pain-free life, you should definitely consult a chiropractor.
Chiropractors can identify and treat the cause of neck pain, and offer you a drug-free and pain-free life. In addition, they can give you appropriate exercises, nutrition advice and lifestyle changes.
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