One of the rising causes of neck pain in our modern world is the emergence of mobile technology. The number of mobile users surpassed desktop users in 2013 and is rapidly rising toward the 2 billion mark. How are people using mobile devices? Why does it affect the neck? And how can you find relief from a sore neck?
In 2008, the average person used a mobile device for about 20 minutes per day. Can you even imagine looking at a smartphone so rarely in the modern world? In 2015, the average person was on a mobile device for about 3 hours per day. According to some estimates, that number may now be closer to 4 hours a day. Approximately one-third of mobile use involves messaging and social media apps. In fact, apps make up about 90% of mobile device usage.
The average head weighs 10-12 pounds, and the spine can easily handle this amount of weight. However, when someone leans forward to look down at a mobile device, the amount of pressure rapidly increase depending on the angle of the head. At a mere 15-degree angle, strain increases to 27 pounds. At 45 degrees, the pressure increases to 49 pounds.
Clearly, it is vital to hold mobile devices as close to eye level as possible in order to reduce strain. However, what if you are already experiencing neck pain?
If you are suffering from neck pain and stiffness, which may be coupled with numbness or tingling in the shoulders and arms, then give upper cervical chiropractic your consideration. Many causes of neck pain, including repetitive motion injuries such as mobile device overuse, can result in an upper cervical misalignment. When these bones are out of position, it can lead to damaged soft tissue and pinched nerves that can cause neck pain and other accompanying symptoms.
Correcting the misalignment using a gentle adjustment can give the body the opportunity to heal from the damage and reduce pain. To learn more, contact an upper cervical chiropractor near you, and schedule a consultation.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
