Neck Pain From Using a Cellphone | Chiropractor for Neck Pain in Oviedo, FL
Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Eric Janowitz, and today I want to talk about a growing issue I’ve observed over my 20 years of practice—’cell phone neck.’ Every day, whether I’m at the mall or in my office, I see countless people hunched over their cell phones, causing significant strain on their neck muscles, shoulders, elbows, and hands. This posture is becoming alarmingly common as we engage more with our devices for texting, browsing social media, and other activities.
The Impact of Cell Phone Use on Our Neck
Did you know the average person checks their cell phone 80 times a day? This adds up to about two and a half hours daily with the neck in a compromised position, putting undue pressure on the nerves. Over a decade, this behavior amounts to nearly 9,000 hours—or 380 straight days—of potential damage to our necks as we strive to stay connected.
Tips to Reduce the Strain
Limit Usage: First and foremost, we don’t need to be on our phones continuously. Try to take breaks and put the phone away occasionally.
Adjust Your Hold: To alleviate neck strain, tuck your elbows into your body and hold your phone up higher. This adjustment prevents your neck from flexing too much, which can reduce the strain from what feels like 60 pounds of pressure on your neck.
Vary Your Grip: Change which fingers you use to interact with your phone to distribute the workload and reduce pressure on any single part of your hand, wrist, or elbow.
Stretch and Strengthen: Regularly perform stretches to open up your shoulders, like leaning through a doorway to stretch your pectoral muscles. Additionally, strengthen your neck muscles by clasping your hands behind your head and gently pressing your head back against your hands.
Seek Professional Help
If these problems persist, it might be time to consult with a chiropractor. They can provide tailored advice and treatments to better support your posture and relieve the symptoms associated with ‘cell phone neck.’
For more tips and information, please subscribe to our channel or contact us directly if you have any specific concerns or questions. Remember, taking small steps can make a big difference in preventing long-term damage from cell phone use. Thank you for tuning in, and take care of your neck!
