Your cell phone may be to blame for a myriad of aches and pains down the road.
In a recent article in the Washington Post, Lindsey Bever relates Dr. Kenneth Hansraj’s research on a relatively new condition he calls “Text Neck.”
With millions of Americans staring down at their cell phones much of the day, both children and adults are putting the equivalent of 60 extra pounds of stress on their neck and spine. Over time, this may cause early spinal degeneration and require therapy or even surgery.
To avoid this serious condition, Dr. Hansraj recommends the following:
- Look down at your device with your eyes. No need to bend your neck.
- Exercise regularly to correct posture: Move your head from left to right several times. Use your hands to provide resistance and push your head against them, first forward, then backward.
- Stand in a doorway with your arms extended and push your chest forward to strengthen the muscles of good posture.”
Click here for Lindsey’s article
Good Posture Promotes Better Health
There were reasons why your mother told you to “sit up straight.” Shelley Moore of Livestrong.com reports that good posture can have a positive effect on overall health:
- Allows us to breathe correctly and blood to flow throughout your body
- Aligns and reduces stress and strain on muscles, ligaments and joints
- Look taller, slimmer and more confident
- Protect spinal joints from injury. Avoid permanently slumping over as you age
Read more from Shelley’s article
Energy-Boosting Exercise Can Ease Stress
Next time you are feeling the stress and strain in your back, neck and shoulders from spending hours slumped over your computer or cell phone, try this step-by-step exercise guide by Diana Reed in the Tampa Bay Times.
