Technology can make our life easier, provide us with amazing gadgets, and open us to a world of information and connection, but how does it impact the human body?
For those of us who are privileged to own a Smartphone,we seem to spend much more time on our phones then those people who have "old school" phones. I know am just as guilty as the next person for spending more time than I should my Android. I've noticed when I spend too much time on my wonderful device I tend to realize a feeling of soreness. It took me a while to see that my phone was the issue for my pain and it wasn't due to sleeping wrong, or lifting too much weight.
It was my phone, or rather the way I was using it that was causing me to be sore! So, I decided to do some research on the subject, and it turns out there's actually a name for it - Smartphone Syndrome. This syndrome is a new repetitive stress injury, and occurs when someone is using a smartphone all day, especially if they are sitting or standing with their head bent forward while using fine finger movement for hours at a time. Wow, talk about a recipe for strain and sprain.
What to do? Here are a few Smartphone ergonomics that can literally save your neck!
- Bring the phone up to your line of sight rather than looking down, this will bring your neck in line with your spine and resting on top of your body.
- Take regular and frequent breaks. You should not spend more than 15 minutes on at a time on the device.
- Use the device for small tasks, although it can preform many functions, it is not really a computer, gaming station, or video monitor. Do as much as possible on a laptop or desktop.
- Take time to stretch you neck, arms and shoulders if you are away from home and need to use your smartphone a lot.
GET A MASSAGE!!
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms a massage is a great way to alleviate the strain , ask your Therapist to focus on your upper body(neck, arms, upper back and shoulders). This will allow the muscles to relax and give you at least an hour break from your beloved smartphone.
Added on 09/21/2011
Filed Under
Therapy/Rehabilitation by The Lyons' Share-Our Blog
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