How Smartphone Use Is Affecting Your Spine
Today, the smartphone has become an integral part of everyday human lives. The significant increase in such devices is due to the immense possibilities related to communication, entertainment, and information. According to the latest data, there are more than six billion smartphone users in the world today, which means over 80% of the world population possess smartphones.
In India, the smartphone penetration reached 54% in 2020, and as per the latest reports; over 500 million people have smartphones. In Chennai, it is common to see young men, women, children, adults, and the elderly using their smartphones on the streets, traveling inside a bus, at shops, and almost everywhere. However, there is one issue that has plagued people due to smartphone use, and that is a pain in the neck and back. If you have a pain problem, seek urgent medical attention from the best doctor for back pain in Chennai.
How Smartphones Are Affecting Your Posture
According to studies done since 2010, the experts have found a correlation between mobile phone use and back & neck pain. Generally, it is believed that people use WhatsApp for messaging and calling, which forces people to bow their heads for a prolonged duration. Besides, users often spend a large amount of time on social media platforms and video streaming apps as well.
The technical term for this is known as neck flexion, which can be defined as the movement of your chin down towards your chest. Prolonged neck flexion is found to be related to neck, shoulder pain in individuals. During this movement, different muscles are used, known as deep neck flexor and sternocleidomastoid, static muscular load is applied combined with no support to arms and continuous movement of fingers. Thus, all these factors can lead to pain and discomfort. Those adopting static and flexed spinal posture while using smartphones are at risk of having neck pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get the best back pain treatment in Chennai.
The effect of posture and duration of smartphone usage on neck flexion angle
Another factor that can contribute to neck and back pain in individuals is the duration of time you are spending on mobile. Multiple studies were able to establish the link between smartphone use for a prolonged period and musculoskeletal pain. Various surveys point out that with increasing age, the severity of neck and back pain may also increase.
Also, the flexion angle needs to be correct while using smartphones. Although several studies regarding the right posture for computer use have been done, the same related to smartphones has been rare. One of the studies found head flexion angle between 37.2 degrees to 46.8 degrees while texting, and 30.2 degrees to 44.3 degrees when watching videos.
In addition, it was discovered that the participants flexed their heads more in sitting positions when compared to standing positions. The greater the angle, the greater will be the strain, say the experts. Thus, spending four to six hours a day on the smartphone can cause wear and tear of the musculoskeletal structure and harm the spine, ultimately damaging or degeneration of the spinal cord. If that is the case with you, consulting the best spine surgeon in Chennai would be the best decision.
How to use your smartphone without ruining your health?
One of the ways you can prevent neck and back pain due to smartphone use is through good posture. Straightening up, arching your back, and looking forward while using the smartphone are a few positive measures that will help. If you are already experiencing mild neck and back pain, try using a heat pack or ice to minimize the pain.
However, if the pain persists, seek urgent medical attention. The spine specialist will advise the right postures and medicines to relieve the pain. If the condition is much worse than thought, surgery will be recommended. You can consult the best orthopaedic spine surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj. For more details, contact us at any time.
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