Watch out for the “text neck”, this forward tilt of the head to read and respond to messages on your smartphone. This movement, when repeated too often, can lead to neck painand affect the soft tissues that surround the spine. This not very reassuring conclusion for nomophobes (anxiety syndrome that invades some cell phone addicts) is reported in serious PlosOne review.
Researchers at Khon Kaen University in Thailand sign a study that warns of the danger of practicing this neck tilting movement. Repeated over a hundred times a day, this pose carries health risks.
For the purposes of the study, the researchers calculated the level of ergonomic risks after 30 smartphone users aged 18 to 25. These volunteers spent up to 8 hours a day on their cellphones.
“The results highlighted problems with inappropriate postures at the neck, trunk and legs, which are the cause of musculoskeletal disorders, “says lead author Suwalee Namwongsa, cited by CTVnews. These postures put pressure on the soft tissues around the spine. , emphasize the academics.
“Smartphone users tilt their necks slightly forward when reading and writing text messages. They sometimes bend or twist their necks and put their upper body and legs in awkward positions,” he adds. Dr Boucaut, physiotherapist, who also participated in the study.
How to prevent neck pain
To prevent discomfort and possible musculoskeletal disorders, we think of relieve his neck from time to time by practicing flexion-extensions (slow and smooth) of the neck or semi-circles of the head (from the bottom to the right and from the right to the left). You can also correct your posture by holding your cell phone higher to consult it, and why not, to unplug more by agreeing moments “off” during the day.
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