When it comes to making life easier, all the capabilities of the internet at our fingertips does just that. Because of those benefits, much of our work days consist of looking at out phone. With that device we can text, call, email, or discover just about anything or anyone. However, the downside to this is that many workers develop text neck from spending so many hours looking down.
Text Neck: Tips for Preventing It
What Is It?
When our job demands that we stay on our phone, or even on the computer, that means spending hours bent over at an awkward angle. In fact, this has become so common that it gained the title of text neck. While this is quite uncomfortable, it can also cause serious damage in time. At first, you may begin experiencing stiffness in your neck and shoulders. This can then lead to chronic headaches and shoulder/neck pain. But as time goes on, studies show that text neck can lead to much more serious conditions.
According to studies, it can lead to nerve damage and spinal issues, such as disc degeneration and muscle weakness. In addition to headaches, it can also lead to other neurological problems and depression. In some cases, text neck can even lead to reduced long capacity and heart disease.
So How Do You Prevent It?
In order to prevent the conditions that may come from text neck, you have to practice good posture. Even while you work over your phone or computer. But how?
One of the best ways to do this is to look down at the phone with your eyes first. Your vision largely determines your posture. Not the other way around. So you look with your eyes, you won’t feel as much need to bend with your head.
Next, you never want to adjust your neck to see the screen. Instead, work on adjusting your screen to better suit your neck. That may mean bringing the phone up to make it nearly eye level. If you’re holding the phone, keep your elbows tucked closely to your side. By doing this, you can help prevent arm and shoulder fatigue from holding it up.
Lastly, take a break. You should be taking roughly a 10 minute break every hour. All you need is enough time to relax those strained muscles and allow yourself to stretch. By doing so, you can help prevent text neck and other common repetitive stress injuries.