Pains In The Neck

I, like many others, suffer from neck pain. Oftentimes the neck pain can lead to a severe headache. According to a recent article in Surgical Technology International, unhealthy posturing due to cell phone usage may be one of the culprits. According to KENNETH K. HANSRAJ, MD, the increased flexion of the neck during cell phone usage greatly increases the stress on the cervical spine.   See https://cbsminnesota.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/spine-study.pdf

The weight experienced by the spine greatly increases as the neck flexes forward. If the head tilts forward 15 degrees the cervical spine sees a force of 27 pounds. At 30 degrees that increases to 40 pounds and at 60 degrees it surges to 60 pounds. That is how I feel after I have been bent over for a while. It is as if I have had a 60 pound weight on my neck. Now I find out that the reason I feel like that is because it is true!

Figure 1 – Neck flexion. Hansraj, KK MD. Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surgical Technology International 2014; 25 (277-279).

What can be done about this? It is not practical to avoid a cellphone.  You might as well try to avoid needing food. But there are a few improvements and adjustments that can be implemented.

1. Use good posture as often as possible (your ears should be above your shoulders and your shoulder blades retracted)

2. Make sure your pillow at night gives you a healthy alignment

3. If you work on a computer screen, practice good ergonomics

4. Avoid carrying heavy bags on your shoulders

5. When you develop neck pain, icing and heat and gentle massage may be helpful.

And of course, there is always the option of fewer video games on your phone and using the speaker mode when talking!!