Although smartphones and tablets are no doubt convenient to use, these devices can result in serious back pain and bad posture. Mobile devices aren’t the only culprits though, bad posture can also occur while reading a book, sitting at a desk, watching television, etc., it just depends on how you’re sitting or standing while doing these activities.
The pain management physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center treat patients with chronic back and neck pain on a consistent basis and witness how debilitating these conditions can be for daily functioning. Therefore, in an effort to prevent the likelihood of others suffering from neck aches and other symptoms, the team is sharing ways to maintain a good posture while using phone and tablets.
Pain that is caused by some of these devices can be characterized as repetitive stress or strain injuries (RSI) and may lead to serious health conditions if not treated right away. Some of these conditions include the muscles in the thumbs, fingers and wrists becoming inflamed and locked, eventually causing trigger thumb or carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is no specific study that proves the link between poor posture and subsequent texting-related injuries, but physicians across the nation have see in an increase in patients with some of these problems, especially the younger, tech-savvy ones. The important thing to keep in mind is these injuries can be reversed if caught in their early stages.
Practicing good posture should be made a priority if you’re already experiencing some of the telltale signs like pain in the shoulders, neck, upper and lower back; numbness or weakness is the muscles of your arms, wrists and fingers; and/or fingers and thumbs that are difficult to straighten after bending.
Neutral posture alignment should be visualized from the side as a line that runs straight down the ears, shoulder, pelvis, hips, knees and ankles. For correct posture, keep these things in mind:
- Head sits directly above torso with chin level to the floor
- Shoulder are relaxed and retracted
- Chest slightly lifted with abdomen muscles tight and activated
- Pelvis relaxed
These tips should help prevent irreversible conditions and chronic pain. If you’re experiencing pain as a result of poor posture, call the physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center today to discuss treatment.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2015
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