Prevent Pain From Cell Phone Usage
By Paul Rothbart
One of the most heralded technological developments of recent time is the evolution of the cellular phone into the smartphone. Though we still use the word "phone" to label them, many people use the call function least of all. These miniature computers allow us to text, email, watch video, and listen to music. Browsing the internet, banking, and online shopping are other tasks that are easily done on a smartphone. Without question, they have streamlined many daily activities making them faster and easier and leaving more time for other things. Some people are addicted to their phones and this can be problematic.
Spending too much time in the virtual world can allow social skills to atrophy and actually cause depression and mental health issues. Additionally, there are physical problems that can be caused by excess cell phone usage.
Potential Health Problems
When using a smartphone, most people hold it in front of them and tilt their head downward to look at the screen. It's an effective way to use the device, but it places the neck into a position that can cause pain, stiffness, and even damage to the vertebrae. The more time you spend on your phone, the longer your neck is in this position, and the more damage it can cause. People also tend to lean forward slightly, putting stress on the back. Additionally, pain is often experienced in the shoulders and wrists and headaches are quite common.
Ways to Minimize the Stress
The most obvious way to reduce the risk of pain and damage is to use your phone less often. Check on emails at scheduled periods throughout the day. Two or three times should suffice. Any email you get will be waiting for you. Cut back on the amount of time watching videos and playing games. They are fun to pass a few minutes of idle time, but don't make them long-lasting activities. Using a hands-free device will allow you to talk without having to hold the phone to your ear or in front of you. This will allow you to sit up straight with good posture and minimize the stress on your body.
See a Chiropractor
When it comes to relieving back, neck, and joint pain, chiropractic care may be the best thing you can do. No matter how careful you are using your phone, there is still the possibility of some stiffness and pain. A chiropractor can find the source of the problem and make an adjustment to fix it. Chiropractic patients often find that back, neck, and joint pain are relieved as well as their tension headaches.
Your smartphone is an amazing and helpful device. Don't let it cause you pain. Be mindful of how you use it and consider paying a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed. You may find that regular chiropractic care not only helps with your phone pains, but may aid in other healthy ways.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.