Smart phones may be rapidly aging our necks

It's almost a reflex these days to pull out our smart phones when we're waiting for someone or standing in a line. But what's this modern convenience doing to our neck?

A surgeon-led study assessed the effect surgeons' head/neck posture during surgery-a posture similar to that of smart-phone texters-had on their necks. Each degree our heads flex forward, staring at our phone below eye level, increases neck strain dramatically. When adult heads (weighing 10 - 12 pounds in neutral posture) tilt 30 degrees forward, this increases to a staggering 40 pounds through our neck. With the average person spending 14 - 28 hours weekly with their heads tilted over a screen, this can have cumulative effects leading to degenerative changes, pinched nerves and muscle strains.

So next time you pick up your smart phone, do a quick check of your neck posture. Your body will thank you for years to come.