text neck Archives - Cliffs Chiropractor Southend

Why Mobile Mania Leads To Text Neck In Teens

Posted on 4th September 20172nd March 2020

The truth is out there. Figures show that British teenagers now spend more than NINE hours a day online, including around 40 minutes a day on social media.

The rise of the ‘selfie culture’ has meant teens also spend 15 minutes a day taking pictures of themselves to send to their friends or post online.

In a recent article published in the Echo, Arif highlights how the ‘selfie culture’ is storing up health problems for teens …

Click the link to read the Echo article: Why Mobile Mania Leads To ‘Text Neck’ In Teenagers

Three Reasons Your Neck Is Stiff

Posted on 16th May 20172nd March 2020

Are your aches and pains literally a pain in the neck? Feeling like your cervical spine could do with a gallon of oil to loosen it up?

Our Southend chiropractor highlights three reasons why your neck may be so stiff:

1: You’re a Smartphone Addict

Yep, that little device that you’re never more than a foot from can be bad news for your neck. “Text neck,” which is a modern cause of neck pain and stiffness, is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the amount of time people spend looking down at mobile devices.

2: Your Position’s all Wrong

Any activity that places your neck in an awkward position for a prolonged period can cause muscle strain. This may include holding your phone against your shoulder as you speak, carrying a bag on one shoulder or working for long hours at a computer.

3: Your Pillow Needs Changing

Ideally, your head and spine should follow a straight line when you sleep. If your pillow is too high or too low, it’s probably time to get a new one!

A stiff neck can be more than just an annoyance; it can be a sign that you need to change some bad habits.

Did You Hear Arif on BBC Essex?

Posted on 20th September 20162nd March 2020

arif soomro chiropractor southend Own up! Who’s going to admit to using their mobile phones just a little bit too much? Just take a look around and you’ll see plenty of people of all ages hunched up over their mobile phones.

In a recent interview with Sadie Nine on BBC Essex, Arif shared the dangers of ‘Text Neck’ and what we all need to do to protect our necks while on our mobile devices.

In this 10 minute interview, Arif also answers questions that Sadie had on other issues for protecting our backs and necks. These included:

advice on sitting at your PC (you can get more comprehensive advice here for setting up your computer includiing a video that Arif has made)
how to influence good posture in children (and you can use it too)

Listen to the interview now:

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Did You Catch Arif on Radio Essex on Thursday Morning?

Posted on 18th August 20162nd March 2020

arif soomro chiropractor southend Arif was interviewed by Radio Essex on Thursday morning about ‘Text Neck’.

This new phenomenon is caused by gadget addicts looking down at their phones and tablets for long periods which results in postural changes that can lead to serious problems.

However, if you are at risk of suffering the consequence of ‘Text Neck’ all is not lost as Arif reveals how you can ease the pain.

text neck advice from cliffs chiropractor southend The extra capability for playing games and browsing the internet on smartphones means that they are tending to be used for longer periods. And unlike laptops, tablet are often placed flat on the lap, meaning users crane their neck over to view the screen.

The average human head weighs between 10lb and 12lb and flexing the neck at an angle makes it harder to support, raising the odds of pain and stiffness which can radiate down the shoulders, arms and wrists. Headaches and even arthritis can develop.

Arif says, “‘Text Neck’ can lead to arthritic degeneration if left untreated and anyone experiencing pain should be checked. Some people work on a computer, play on their mobile phones on their breaks, drive home and work on their computer and their phone again in the evening and that’s really unhealthy. We are not built to be sitting down hunched over screens. However, that is exactly what people are doing with their necks. If people continue to put their necks into these positions, the body will gradually adapt to the stresses. Because the head and neck move forwards, it will eventually lead to a reversal of the natural curve of the neck.

Postural changes will then occur, which can lead to serious problems.”

Arif reveals how to ease texting pain.

1) Take regular breaks from texting

2) Look straight ahead every few minutes; pull the chin back into the neck and hold that position for a few seconds.

3) Rotate your shoulders while keeping your arms by your sides

4) Sit up straight every time you text

5) Put the phone a little higher when texting.

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Is Your Mobile to Blame for Your Neck Pain?

Posted on 10th May 20162nd March 2020

By now most of us will have heard of “text neck” – a modern day condition where the cervical spine is affected by excessive mobile phone use. But what level of damage are our “heads down generation” actually risking?

The adult human head typically weighs between 10 and 12 lb and this weight equates to far greater volumes as the head tilts forward. The muscles, ligaments and tendons are all put under pressure when holding the head at a forwards angle, which explains why excessive mobile phone use is largely responsible for many neck complaints.

To highlight the reality of this…

A head that is tilted 15 degrees forward may equate to 27 lbs and a head that is tilted 30 degrees forward may put the same strain on the neck as a 40lb head!

Maybe the term “get your head straight” is more apt than ever…

Tag: text neck