Home » MODERN POSTURE: HOW TECH NECK IS AFFECTING A WHOLE GENERATION?
Technology today is all over the place. It has become ubiquitous. You have devices from tablets and laptops to Smartphone’s and smart watches. They have altered the way we live, communicate, and work.
There are also as with all innovations, side-effects. One of the most painful consequences of this is a condition called ‘TECH NECK.’ It is a term coined by health professionals.
It was once upon a time a rare diagnosis. Today, Tech Neck has become a common problem. That is especially serious among younger generations who have grown up fixated to screens.
It refers to the strain and pain felt in the neck and upper back. That occurs from prolonged forward head posture. This is often caused by looking down at digital devices. Like for instance, tablets, phones, etc.
When your head tilts forward, the weight your neck has to bear dramatically increases. A human head for example weighs in a neutral position, about 10-12 pounds. But as the head tilts forward, the weight can depending on the angle, feel like 27 to 60 pounds.
This posture is unnatural. It stresses the cervical spine, and shoulders. It also stresses supporting muscles. This leads to stiffness and soreness. In several cases, even headaches and nerve damage.
Posture affects more than how we look. It also affects how we feel and function. In many cases, even think.
The spine when the head leans forward, loses its natural curve. This misalignment leads to,
The following details the symptoms to watch out for.
These days, many people work from laptops on couches or beds or kitchen tables. Ergonomic principles in most cases are often ignored.
The majority of home set-ups lack proper seating arrangements. They also lack proper keyboard placement and monitor height. These contribute to poor posture.
Many workers even in offices spend 8 to 10 hours at desks in a day. They do so often without regular movement. Additionally, zoom meetings often on small devices, encourage screen fixation.
Many people spend outside of work scrolling social media. Otherwise, they will be streaming shows or gaming. All of these often in slouched positions. The average person whether sitting in a vehicle, or lying in bed, or waiting in line, checks mobile phone several times a day.
Teenagers and children today are vulnerable to postural damage. This has become a growing concern with parents and medical specialists.
Spending excessive time on digital screens can lead to early onset back and neck pain. They also risk suffering from postural deformities like Kyphosis. Kyphosis is an exaggerated outward curvature of the upper spine.
A 2013 medical study revealed nearly 70 percent of teenagers had reported experiencing neck pain during the week at some point. This is no ordinary issue. Rather it lays the groundwork for chronic musculoskeletal issues in adulthood.
Tech neck if unchecked can cause,
The psychological toll can moreover be significant. Poor posture is often as per a medical study report said to link to poor mood, low energy levels, and reduced confidence. This is a phenomenon that is better known as ‘Postural Depression.’
Human body posture does not just affect physically. It also shapes how humans interact with the world. According to a research study, people with open, upright postures tend to feel more alert and confident. People who slouch on the other hand are more likely to feel fatigued and self-conscious.
The study also reported that in one experiment, students who sat in upright positions when compared to those who slouched scored better on memory and problem-solving tests. They clearly indicate intricate connection between body and mind.
PRACTICE ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics refers to the science of an environment designed to suit your body. Small adjustments in this sense can make significant difference.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Ergonomics refers to the science of an environment designed to suit your body. Small adjustments in this sense can make significant difference.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
There are some exercises that help to strengthen key muscles. They restore natural alignment.
Like,
Just 10 to 15 minutes of postural work in a day is sufficient. It can reverse years of damage.
If you suffer persistent symptoms, then consult,
It is convenient for people to blame laptops or Smartphone’s.
The real problem lies in how they are used by us. Besides technology today cannot be ignored anymore. It is here to stay and has become integral to modern life.
The goal is not to abandon screens. But we need to adapt better habits around them. It is similar to dental hygiene that became a norm in the 20th century. Similarly, Postural Hygiene must become in the 21st century the standard practice.
Today, we all brush our teeth daily to prevent decay. So, why not do the same for our spine?
Young people need to be properly educated about proper posture. Schools can play a critical role here by,
Parents can also play a vital role. They can assist by modeling good behavior. That includes, sitting upright and limiting screen time. They should also ensure making physical activity a daily habit.
Technology ironically may also provide useful solutions. With innovations like,
You can expect as awareness grows, a surge in tech solutions. That is aimed at improving human posture rather than harming it.
Tech neck is not just a sore neck. It is a symbol of a larger lifestyle imbalance. Our bodies were not designed to spend hunched over glowing screens for hours.
Yet, this is our reality.
There is however good news. We can with education and awareness with action reverse the effects of tech neck. Also, teach future generations to live in balance with their devices.
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