“Text Neck.” It’s a real syndrome, affecting many of us who are glued to our Smartphones and iPads. Text Neck is the new Carpel Tunnel, and causes stiffness to downright agony in the neck, shoulders, and back muscles.
As the human head weighs about 10 lbs., just imagine asking your neck to hold a 10-lb barbell up for minutes (or hours) at a time.
To prevent or decrease pain in your neck, try these tips:
- Call and talk more, text less. Using Blue Tooth or speakerphones, you can relieve your 10 digits and your neck.
- Take a day off from technology once a week WHAT?????!@#$&!@#$…Ok, so maybe start with a couple of hours and build up.
- Read, explore nature, talk with a loved one or an animal. Be human.
- Raise your device to eye level so you are not straining your neck.
- Take breaks, or shift your position: stretch out on a sofa, recliner, lean back in a chair, etc.
- Stand up at least once an hour and walk, arch your back and stretch.
- Make sure the pillow you sleep on is right for you and provides enough support.
- Mind your posture. My father, a retired Brigadier General, would frequently put a hand in the middle of my back and command:“Army straight!” I had to do my best to try to pinch his hand with my shoulder blades.
- Of course exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep help the body heal.
- A good chiropractor or acupuncturist can provide relief.
- My favorite: regular massage! It’s not just to feel good. Massage is therapeutic for the mind and the body. A good massage therapist can loosen up the kinks in your neck, back, shoulders, and other places stress resides in the body.
Best of Health,
Dr. Nancy Irwin