Smartphones Can Lead to Aches and Pains

People of all ages rely on their smartphones for many things—communication, connection to the internet, photos, games, and more. Even though smartphones often make our lives easier and more efficient, using them too much can lead to aches and pains.

A surgeon-led study that published in Surgical Technology International assessed what impact surgeons’ head and neck posture have during surgery, a posture similar to that of smartphone users, has on their cervical spines. With each degree that our heads flex forward, the strain on our spines increases significantly. When an adult head weighing 10 to 12 pounds tilts forward at 30 degrees, the weight seen by the spine climbs to a staggering 40 pounds. Furthermore, an average person spends 14 to 28 hours each week with their heads tilted over an electronic device, according to this study¹

The regular use of a smartphone can lead to the following issues:¹

• Poor posture potentially leading to spinal degeneration
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Pain and tingling that can radiate from the elbow to the hand from keeping the elbow bent over time
• Wrist pain from a fixed texting position for an extended period of time

Tips on how to prevent smartphone-related pains and aches:²

• Avoid spending long periods of time looking down at your phone.
• Hold your head up and bring the phone up to eye level
• Take frequent breaks when using your phone over time
• Shift positions to give your neck and back a rest.
• Frequently stretch your neck muscles
• Text using both hands or use a flat surface

Live Your Life physical therapists are well versed in treating posture related issues to the spine as well help you with your aches and pains. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Visit our website to learn more!

Cici Madawala, B.S.
Director of Marketing
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Cici Madawala graduated from St Cloud State ͐University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and minors in Geography and German

She is passionate about helping people and strives to help individuals get back on healthy routines and do the things they love. In her leisure time, she loves to travel, and explore other cultures and cuisines

References
¹Your smart phone could be rapidly aging your spine, Private Practice Section, https://ppsapta.org/marketing/blog/browse.cfm?recID=A66C7298-5056-A04E-37914C538D1C4189. Accessed 19 September 2018.

²29 Tips for avoiding smart phone hand pain, Muir Orthopedic Specialists, https://www.muirortho.com/9-tips-for-avoiding-smartphone-hand-pain/. Accessed 19 September 2018.