Using Technology Safely

Mobile devices such as cell phones, iPads, laptops and
electronic readers have made our lives more convenient.
In today’s society, many people fear giving up their cell
phones even for a few hours. While this makes it easier
to accomplish tasks without being tethered to an office,
this has also increased the amount of time we spend
using these devices, which can adversely affect our
health.
Before these advances in technology, our bodies moved
much more, but now we slump over small screens often
for long periods with little change in position. You don’t
have to sacrifice modern conveniences for your health,
but you need to know how to minimize the risks.
Protect Yourself
Good posture is important to your health. When you
bend forward to watch electronic devices like your cell
phone, you increase pressure on your discs and increase
loads on muscles. The faulty forward position also
happens when you bend forward to look down at a
computer or laptop. Always remember to:
• Sit upright with your ears over your shoulders.
• Look down with your eyes, and if you wear bifocals
or glasses, make sure you also can scan the entire
screen without moving your head.
• Never pinch the phone between your ear and
shoulder. Use a headset to reduce shoulder strain.
• When sitting at a device, make sure your feet are
firmly flat on the floor or footrest with your knees
lower than your hips.
• Make sure you can use the device without
reaching.
• Take breaks! Get up and move around.
Prevent Elbow Injuries
The ulnar nerve wraps around the inside of your elbow
and is commonly called the funny bone. Keeping
elbows bent can compress the ulnar nerve resulting in
pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness. The nerve
is easily damaged by external pressure, so keep safe by
minimizing the time you bend your elbows to hold the
phone or device up to your face.
See Your Chiropractic Physician
If you find yourself in pain despite your best efforts,
your doctor of chiropractic can treat any injuries and
provide additional advice on using technology safely.