Text neck syndrome: Finally a solution that works
(This blogpost is the third instalment of a 60 part series. In case you have missed the previous ones, the First part talks about strategies to improve water intake, the second part: Draws inspiration from ‘Nudge’ and ‘Atomic habits’ and recommends 3 one-time actions for lasting health benefits)
Text neck syndrome needs no introduction. It is estimated that about 35% of all smartphone users suffer from text neck syndrome. Considering that India has more than 500 million smartphone users, the number of people suffering from text neck syndrome would be astounding.
Text neck syndrome produces neck pain because while using the smartphone we keep our neck bent. With increasing neck angle the apparent weight of the head also increases loading the neck excessively, producing neck pain.
On paper it is not very difficult to tackle text neck syndrome. Just reduce the use of smartphones and you are all set. However, we all know that it’s easier said than done.
The often recommended posture of using a smartphone purported to prevent text neck syndrome where you bring your phone to the eye level by using your shoulder muscles is also of no use. It doesn’t work because shoulder muscles are not meant to work for a prolonged period of time without any rest.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1.Support your elbow as you bring your phone near the eye level. You should aim to keep the neck as straight as possible
- Change the hand frequently
Supporting the elbow takes the load off from neck and Shoulder allowing you (and me) to indulge in your smartphone addiction without pain for a longer period without pain. Depending on your posture you can support the elbow using multiple strategies. In standing crossing the arms makes it possible to support the elbow of the phone holding hand.
In sitting position you can use the armrest of the chair when available. Otherwise, cross your leg and use the knee as elbow rest. If you have a table in front, elbow support becomes much easier.
Actually, with a bit of common sense, you can implement this plan of supporting the elbow in any posture.
Caution: Even if you can prevent the text neck, overuse of smartphone still remains injurious to health.
Do you have any other strategy to reduce stress on the neck while using phone? Kindly post in the comment section.
Keep watching this place daily for easy and effective health tips.
Eye opener! Thank you.
good topics sir
Thank you 🤗
Very good topic sir. Because all of use smartphone in daily life for prolong time but nobody not aware about it. Thank you sir.
Very nice 👌👌 sir 👍👍
Sir this is really an eye opner to the common and very dangerous habit which we use to overlook in our day to day life and your unique way of demonstrating grabbed our attention . Thankyou sir
VERY useful and informative for all smart phone users. Thank you .
This is really helpful Sir.. looking forward to more healthy tips
Thank you so much sir
Good morning sir,.,
Good morning:)
Wow, these are the best strategies to keep our neck in alignment while using mobile. Thank you so much for the topic sir…
Thank you Abeda
This is really helpful sir 👍
Very helpful information sir
Thank you Ruhi.
Sir this is really an eye opner to the common and very dangerous habit which we use to overlook in our day to day life and your unique way of demonstrating grabbed our attention . Thankyou sir
Thank you so much Munaa