Concerns about Spinal Health among Students and Office Workers?
In recent years, there has been a growing number of students and office workers seeking medical attention for spinal issues. However, many are yet to realize the hidden concerns associated with long-term use of electronic devices.
The advent of smartphones has led many urban dwellers to become frequent "text neck" sufferers, unknowingly exerting excessive force on their necks and resulting in cervical misalignment. This can cause soreness in the shoulders, arms, and wrists. In more severe cases, individuals may experience numbness in their fingers and feel pain and weakness when performing simple tasks like turning a doorknob or lifting a water cup.
On the other hand, there has been an increase in cases of shoulder, neck, and back pain, as well as other discomfort among teenagers and children who are exposed to electronic devices at an early age. Regardless of age, to prevent pain and reduce strain, it is recommended to maintain correct sitting posture in daily life, avoiding forward head posture and crossing legs, while keeping the back pressed against the chair.
When using electronic devices, it is important to pay attention to three 90-degree angles. When using a tablet on a desk, using a stand can significantly reduce strain on the neck and hands. When using a phone while standing, it is advisable to raise the elbows so that the eyes and the phone are in a horizontal line, avoiding prolonged periods of looking down. During work, it is advisable to take breaks every 30 to 45 minutes, stand up, and perform chest expansion exercises to relax tense muscles. Parents can also engage in spine-protecting exercises with their children to maintain spinal health while fostering parent-child bonding.
Neck Stretch Exercise:
Sit upright in a chair.
Place your left hand on your lower back and your right hand on your head. Slowly pull your head towards the right side, holding the stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat the movement on the other side.
Benefits: Stretches the muscles on the sides of the neck and shoulders.
