Following Chiropractic Advice When Using a Telephone

By Brandi Swieter

Whether a person still uses a landline telephone or they’re on their cell phone for hours, telephone use requires caution. Chiropractors offer specific advice on how to and how not to use a phone in an effort to prevent back and neck pain. Neck pain is one of the biggest concerns when using phones often.

Put it on Speakerphone

Most phones have a speakerphone option that allows the other person’s voice to come across the speaker. There is no need to hold the phone to the ear in this case, allowing a person to go hands-free and continue about their business as needed. It saves the pain of having to cradle the phone between the ear and shoulder while attempting to use the hands to do other tasks.

Get a Hands-Free Headset

Putting the call on speakerphone isn’t always the ideal option, especially if it’s a private matter that others should not be allowed to hear. A hands-free headset may be the better choice in this case because it still allowers the phone user to hear their call well without having to hold the phone up to their ear and feel the neck pain that sets in because of it. Many professionals now use hands-free headsets in an office setting, and the option is available for home-use as well.

Change Hands Often

Those who talk normally on the phone, meaning the telephone is held up to one ear by a hand, need to be sure they’re changing positions. Change hands often, and therefore ears, to ensure an even use of both sides of the body. A pain will develop on just one side of the neck and shoulder if only one hand is ever used for the entire conversation.

Hold the Phone Up While Texting

Too many people look down at their phones while texting. This causes them to lower their necks and often sit slouched over, causing serious neck and back pain. It is best to hold the phone up while answering a text so it can be read at eye level. Raising the arms for a few seconds puts less pressure on the back and neck than sitting slouched.

Avoid neck and back pain by following chiropractic advice on telephone use. Those who do suffer some pain in these areas after talking on the phone for a while or staring down at a screen should seek assistance from The Joint Chiropractic. An adjustment and elimination of joint restrictions may work wonders to alleviate pain and tension within the body.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.