I consider myself a people watcher. In my line of business, there is a lot you can tell about a person by just looking at them. Now, I’m not talking about their clothes or behavior. Although these are entertaining, I’m more interested in their posture. Being a chiropractor who specializes in posture correction, I find myself saying “ouch” every time I see someone walk by…
What I’ve observed in people’s posture is close to catastrophic and it’s only getting worse with the increased frequency of texting and computer usage. Take a look around you. It won’t be hard to find someone texting. Now, watch them. Do you see how their hips are tilted forward? Do you see their head bent chin to chest? Are you getting motion sickness just watching them thumb away at their phone at a dizzying pace? Can you feel the pain? I can!
I decided to investigate whether there were any reports in scientific literature regarding texting and neck pain. It turns out there is. My friend and colleague Dr. Joe Betz, came across some preliminary data suggesting that there is a relationship between these two variables. Judith Gold, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work, presented preliminary research at last year’s annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. The research suggested that, among college students, the more they texted, the more pain they had in the neck and shoulders. To some this is earth-shattering information. To me, all I can say is “well, duh!” When you twist your body like elbow noodle several times a day, what do you expect! Many parents don’t think about how modern day technology is wreaking havoc on their kids’ spines, but they should!
Other research that I found indicated that the repetitive strains on the little muscles in the thumbs increases substantially with “140-character or under tweets”, ever increasing texting, and use of smart phones and laptop at record speeds. Sadly, I have a 3 year old patient with a cell phone…yes, that’s an entirely different blog, but can you imagine the strain in this child’s spine if he continues down the road he’s headed? In looking at our overall posture in the texting position, I have to ask, “How do we even stand this activity?”
Parents, your kids are sending and receiving upwards of 20,000 text messages per month! Your teenagers are ruining their spines with abnormal texting ergonomics. I suggest placing a limit on text messages through limiting text plans and making your teenager pay for the overage charges. That will keep them communicating the old-fashioned way, with their voices. At the risk of being labeled totally uncool by banning cell phone use, encourage your kids to hold their phones up eye level when they do text to decrease the strain on their necks.
If you or someone you love is suffering with some neck or back pain associated with texting tendonitis, call our office today! Summit Spine and Wellness at 215-487-2500.
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