As a Chiropractor, I see a lot of patients who experience pain and discomfort in their neck, shoulders, and back. And more often than not, these issues are related to the use of technology devices, such as computers, phones, and TVs.
Here’s why your devices might be causing you pain, and what you can do to avoid it.
Computers & Laptops
If you spend long hours working on a computer, you might experience pain and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This is because when you sit at a desk, you tend to hunch forward and crane your neck to look at the screen. This position puts a lot of strain on your spine and can lead to poor posture.
To avoid this, make sure your computer is set up correctly. The top of your screen should be at eye level, and your keyboard should be positioned so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. You can also try using a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to stretch and move around.
Mobile Phones
Do you find yourself constantly staring down at your phone? This can cause what’s known as “text neck,” a condition that can lead to neck pain, headaches, and even shoulder and upper back pain.
To avoid text neck, try holding your phone at eye level or propping it up on a table. You can also take frequent breaks from your phone and try to limit your screen time overall.
TVs
Binge-watching your favourite shows might be a fun way to spend a weekend, but it can also be bad for your health. Sitting for long periods of time can lead to poor posture and back pain, especially if you’re slouching on the couch.
To avoid this, try to take breaks every hour or so to stand up, stretch, and move around. You can also try sitting on an exercise ball or using a standing desk to watch TV.
In general
No matter what device you’re using, it’s important to take breaks and move around throughout the day. Sitting for long periods of time can put a lot of strain on your spine and lead to poor posture and pain.
You can also try exercises and stretches to help alleviate pain and discomfort. For example, shoulder rolls and neck stretches can help loosen up tight muscles and improve your posture.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort related to your devices, consider seeing a Chiropractor. We can help diagnose the problem and provide treatment options to alleviate your symptoms.
Cho, C. Y., Hwang, I., Chen, C. H., & Lin, J. G. (2016). The influence of smartphone use on the spinal angle, pain intensity, and disability index of the cervical spine. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(1), 186-189. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.186
Jeong, H. S., Lee, S. J., & Lee, H. J. (2016). Effects of smartphone use on pain and muscle fatigue in the upper extremity. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(5), 1669-1672. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1669
Lin, I. M., Peper, E., & Wang, H. (2016). Physiological and behavioral changes from prolonged sitting: A case study. Ergonomics in Design, 24(3), 21-27. doi: 10.1177/1064804616650450
Singh, A., Gangwar, A., & Gupta, K. (2021). Effects of electronic gadgets on cervical spine and eyesight. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development, 12(1), 1-4. doi: 10.37506/ijphrd.v12i1.11682
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