Texting Can Be A Pain: 3 Ways To Avoid Texting Neck Overuse Syndrome
by Julia Gregory
Texting has become a way of life. If you're like most people, you probably send or receive at least one text message every day. While texting is a quick and efficient way to communicate with others, it can wreak havoc on your neck. If you spend a considerable amount of time texting each day, you could develop an ailment known as Text Neck Overuse Syndrome. When you text, your neck bends in a way that causes strain and pressure on your head, neck and spine. Over time, you may develop tingling and pain in your neck. Here are four quick tricks that will help reduce your chances of developing the pain and discomfort associated with texting.
Reposition Your Phone
When most people text, they keep their phone at chest level and bend their neck to see the screen. Relieve some pressure and prevent neck strain by repositioning your phone. Bring your phone up to eye level. This will allow you to see the screen without bending your neck.
Stand or Sit Up Straight
Good posture is key to a pain-free neck and spine. When you're texting, pay close attention to your posture. If you're standing, be sure that your back is straight and your shoulders are not slouched. Your shoulders should be pulled back to reduce strain on your neck and spine. If you're sitting, your feet should be planted flat on the floor, with your back straight and your shoulders pulled in.
Stretch Your Muscles
While you're texting, don't forget to stretch your muscles – especially your neck and back muscles. Here are a couple easy stretches you can do while you're texting. These stretches can be done whether you're sitting or standing.
Neck Stretches
Look straight ahead and take a deep breath. Tilt your head forward and hold the position for about five seconds. Raise your head to the starting position and then slowly tilt your head to the right. Hold the position for about five seconds and return to the starting position. Continue the exercise until you've moved your head forward, backward, right and then left. Repeat whenever you feel your neck getting strained.
Back Stretches
When your back gets strained from being pulled or from sitting in the same position for too long, this simple exercise can help relieve the pressure. Sit down with your feet flat on the floor. Arch your back for about 10 seconds and then relax. Now, arch your back as you bend forward at the hips. Repeat this several times to relieve back pressure.
If you spend a lot of time texting, your neck and back may be feeling the pain. The information provided here will help you avoid Texting Neck Overuse Syndrome. If the pain continues or gets worse, be sure to speak to a doctor about neck pain treatment as soon as possible.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.