We live in a digitized world. Our lives exist within and depend on our devices. From calendars and contact lists to social media, even maps while we travel. We depend on the information we have readily available at the touch of a finger.

The world is a faster paced, easier to navigate environment because of this amazing technology, but what is it doing to our posture and our spinal health?

Everywhere you look you see people staring at their smartphones and tablets. In coffee shops, walking down the street, even driving. The term “Text Neck” has been coined in recent years and is used to describe neck injury, pain, and damage caused from cocking your head downward all the time to look at your wireless device.

Normal healthy standing posture holds your head at zero degrees. For every inch, you tilt your head forward the pressure on the spine doubles. The human head on average weighs 10 to 12 lbs. As that good posture decreases and the head angles forward the weight leveraged on the neck and spine compounds. Just a 15 degree lean (a slight head tilt) brings it up to 27 lbs., 30 degrees a whopping 40 lbs., 45 degrees comes in at 49 lbs. and if you tilt 60 degrees that can be up to 60 lbs. of pressure. 

Millions of people do this for multiple hours daily. Over time that is a lot of wear and tear on your cervical spine. If not adjusted by a Chiropractor on a regular basis it can quickly lead to degeneration and in turn, pain. 

According to Tom DiAngelis, President of the American Physical Therapy Association’s private practice section, told CNN last year that the effect is similar to bending a finger all the way back and holding it there for an hour. Stretching tissues for an extended time creates soreness and inflammation. Over time that can lead to muscle strain, herniated discs, and pinched nerves. If ignored for too long the natural curve of the neck can actually alter causing, even more, issues including headaches, neurological issues, depression and even heart disease.

Living without technology is an unreasonable expectation. Here are some suggestions to help keep your neck healthy.

1. Neck Exercises -  look from right to left and back again, slowly. Repeat 10 times on each side. 3-4 times daily.
2. Shoulder Shrugs - Stand with your hands at your sides and raise your shoulders all the way up, drop them slowly and repeat 10 -15 times, also 3-4 times daily.
3. Stretch - Raise your hands above your head and reach for the sky! One at a time and both together.
4. When you do look down try not to slouch or angle your head too drastically.  Lower your eyes, not your head.
5. Limit time on mobile devices if possible.
6. Visit your Chiropractor and massage therapist on a regular basis.

If you are in the SW Florida area please visit www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com or call 239-947-1177. Nutrition Specialists of Florida can help.