Mobile devices are an unavoidable part of everyday life. Looking down at mobile phones, tablets and laptops too often and for long periods can lead to pain and damage in the neck and spine. However, there is no need to get rid of your technology altogether; here are some helpful tips to stop pain from using your mobile devices:
Take a break: Constantly looking at your phone or other devices is what is most likely to cause actual damage. Long periods of looking down may lead to neck strain or worse. Instead, it would help if you take frequent breaks. Make sure that you are looking up and around frequently.
Raise your phone: Instead of holding your phone down, raise it to eye level. This stops you from needing to bend your neck down and forward to see.
Stretch: Stretch your neck from time to time. This will help to mitigate or stop pain. Make a habit of stretching your neck regularly. Set a timer so that you don't forget.
Work on your posture: Good posture is one of the easiest ways to avoid neck and back strain. If you can maintain proper posture while using your mobile devices, you shouldn't feel any strain. Correct posture has your feet, hips shoulders, and head all lined up on top of one another. While sitting have your feet flat on the floor, and your hips, shoulders, and head aligned on top of each other.
Stay fit and active: Strong neck and back muscles are better able to handle stress, and also more likely to keep good posture. Incorporate exercise to strengthen your neck, back, and core into your daily routine to help with this.
When it comes to these sorts of problems prevention is always better than a cure but if you are already suffering from the adverse side effects of "text neck" you can book an appointment with a chiropractor.