Smartphones & Headaches

How many hours a day do you spend texting or browsing through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? If you are using your smartphone or tablet to do so, you may be compromising your neck.  With more people using their mobile devices as their primary connection to the internet, there has been a rise in “text neck”.  With our necks flexed forward to read our phones or tablets, we put unneeded stress on our neck vertebrae.  The amount of pressure, depending on the angle, could be as high as 60 pounds!  That is heavier than an average 7 year old!  This can cause headaches and other chronic issues.

What can you do?

• Being mindful of your posture is an important first step in decreasing possible injury.  Lift your phone so you can read it while keeping your head in an upright, neutral posture.
• If you are going to be using the internet for an extended period of time, consider using a desk computer instead.
• Limit your time on the device.
• Think 20/20/20!  If you are on a computer or mobile device for 20 mins, take a 20 second visual rest break by looking at an object 20 feet away.

Light Sensitive?

For some people, simply using any electronic device can increase their symptoms of headaches and dizziness.  If this is a symptom you are noticing, adding a blue light filter could help.  Learn more about light sensitivity here on our blog.

If you are experiencing dizziness or balance difficulties, our specialized physical therapists and physical therapist assistants may be able to help. Contact one of our clinics to find out more, 952-345-3000.