The new age
smartphones help us carry our daily routine efficiently with its various
functions such as GPS, games, alarm, reminders, e-mails, etc. However, as these
devices are turning to be boon to the mankind, it has its own side effects. The
study by Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation
Medicine, Dr. Kenneth Hansraj reveals that we tend to bend our head down as we
are busy on our phones either texting, gaming or working.
The adult’s
head weighs around 10-12 pounds (approx 4-6 kg) when in the upright position.
However, as we gradually get involved in texting activity on the phone, due to
gravitational pull, we tend to bend our head more and more towards the phone.
This is where the problem lies.
Dr Hansraj’s
research found out that by this way even if we bend out head at 60 degrees, the
posture is putting the weight of up to 60 pound (around 27 kg). This is as good
as a seven year old kid sitting on the neck.
He further
mentioned in the study that "The weight seen by the spine dramatically
increases when flexing the head forward at varying degrees. Loss of the natural
curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses about the
cervical spine."
It further
leads to a bad posture and further problems such as back pain and other neurological
issues. Moreover, these stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration and
possibly surgeries.
Hence, while
you are engaged deep in conversation or playing games on your phone, mind your
head.
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