Are You On Your Mobile Phone Right Now?
Are you reading this from your mobile device? Your head is down, your shoulders are rounded and back is slumped. You are currently in a harmful position also known as “text neck” and it is becoming one of the most common reasons people report to their doctors and Physiotherapists with neck pain.
It is estimated that people spend on average five hours per day using their phones for various reasons. It can lead to some persistent aches and pains in the neck and shoulders, as well as causing continuous headaches. Text neck compresses and tightens the structures in the front as well as lengthening the muscles and tendons at the back of the neck.
How Do We Fix It?
Breaking up with our phones is just not a feasible option in this modern age but what we can do is practice good posture habits to prevent those aches and pains.
Pause breaks to reverse the stressful position like the stretch pictured here for the neck, shoulders, elbows and hands ideally every hour or more is a great way to enjoy the latest youtube video whilst being a little more pain free.
By booking an appointment with one of our highly trained Physios at Core Physiotherapy, they can provide you with an individually tailored program with various stretching and strengthening techniques for the neck, back and upper shoulders that fits in with your lifestyle.
It is also recommended that you change how you hold your phone, by bringing it to eye level, using a holder, keeping a neutral upright spine and taking regular phone breaks.
With these simple steps you will be standing tall in no time!
This blog was written by Cassandra, senior receptionist at the Campbelltown Physio practice.
