Dr. Caren Fortin, BHK, DC - Doctor of Chiropractic
The Ontario Chiropractic Association summarizes below, some fantastic tips for avoiding neck and back pain from phone or laptop use.
Did you know?
Bending your head to look at your phone can put up to 60lbs of pressure on your spine! A 2014 study completed by Surgical Technology International found that even a 15 degree tilt of the head can put 27lbs of pressure on the spine.
As the use of tablets, laptops and phones become ever more frequent, use the following tips to keep your neck feeling fine:
Take a break: Prolonged use of handheld devices can put a strain on muscles in shoulders, arms and fingers. Let your arms and hands rest by your sides every once in awhile.
The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, focus your gaze on something at least 20ft away, for 20 seconds.
Change positions: Try to get up and move around or change positions at least every 30 minutes.
Aim higher: If needing to watch a lecture, lift the device to eye level to take the postural strain off the neck. Alternatively, use a stand to prop it up so your arms and shoulders get a break.
Stretch it out: Slowly turn your head towards your left shoulder, hold for five seconds and repeat on your right side. You can also download Straighten Up Canada! — a free app developed by Canada’s chiropractors with videos of stretches you can do to help your posture in just three minutes!
If you have tried these tips and you are still experiencing neck pain, make an appointment with your chiropractor. Wellness for the Body has a chiropractor available 6 days a week. Call 905.465.4595 or go online to wellnessforthebody.com to book your appointment.