Commentary by Dr. Joseph Stockwell
We’re in an age of constant technology and our phones follow us wherever we go. Our laptops fill in the gaps, and even the newer tablets and e-readers have their place in our constant need for connection. Most people applaud these new advances, keeping in step with creating “the world at your fingertips;” however, there’s a very downside to the constant use of these new technologies that most people never think about: the physical toll looking down at a screen or phone has on our body.
We’re spending more time on our “smart” devices which means we’re spending more time in unnatural positions that are harmful to our overall health. Staring down at a screen for hours can lead to what I like to call “broken posture.”
“Broken posture” occurs when your head leans forward from your body to make it easier to gaze into the screen of the device. Your spine is no longer straight, your neck is bent and your shoulders are pulled forward to compensate for the slouch in your back.
Your head weighs the same as a bowling ball, around 10 to 15 lbs. When you look down at your device – thanks to the laws of physics – you’re increasing the weight of your head by around 30 lbs. That’s like wearing a necklace with three bowling balls attached to it every time you’re on your device.
This broken posture reduces your lung capacity which lowers the amount of oxygen you can bring into your body. This can lead to headaches, migraines, fatigue, irritability and overall decreased mental function. It’ll create tension in the back of your head, neck and shoulders, which can spread to your back and hips.
It can also put added pressure onto your cardiovascular system creating symptoms such as numbness, tingling, fatigue and high blood pressure.
How can we fix this problem besides tossing out the phones? Start becoming aware of the position you’re in at all times. The next time you use your device, think about your posture. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders back slightly, and lift your chin up as if you were talking to a real person. Another way is to adjust the height of your monitors or phones to make sure you’re looking straight on at the screens. If you’re already in pain, taking medicines can help, but usually positional pain like this needs to be corrected by a board certified chiropractor, who can reposition your neck into proper alignment.
Dr. Joseph Stockwell is a chiropractic physician who is the owner and clinic director of Indy’s Atlas: Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Zionsville. He may be reached at [email protected].