Developing back pain from slouching in front of your computer and getting carpal tunnel issues from typing on a keyboard all day have become part of normal life. Now we have handheld gadgets that are so integrated into our daily routine, and our bodies are suffering as a result.
Tech neck is caused by craning the neck to read laptop screens, tablets, and cell phones. That hunching can put up to 50 pounds of additional pressure on the upper spine.
How can you prevent tech neck?
Spinal surgeon, Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, has five recommendations:
- Be aware of your posture when you use technology.
- Set time limits, taking a three-minute break every 15-20 minutes of device use.
- Set automatic reminders so you take breaks from your device.
- Get a tablet holder so you decrease the strain on your neck.
- Take action if you experience pain. If reducing device usage does not help, see a professional.
Listen in as Dr. Sinicropi discusses how to keep technology from being a pain in your neck.
Dr. Stefano Sinicropi attended the prestigious Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons Medical School and completed a combined Research/Clinical Residency at Columbia University’s Presbyterian Hospital. Following residency, he sub-specialized in Spinal Surgery through successful completion of the Kenton D. Leatherman Spinal Fellowship at the University of Louisville, where he trained with some of the most well respected Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic spinal surgeons in the United States. He has been practicing since 2006 and performed over 4,000 spinal surgeries.