Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

Is the increased usage of e-readers, tablets and smart phones leading to an increase in neck and upper back pain? Over the years it has been made clear to the public that slouching is bad for the spine and improper posture can lead to discomfort. Watching TV, reading emails, texting, playing games and surfing the internet on our smart phones are things we do on an hourly basis and this may be causing more harm than good.

Dr. Dean Fishman, a South Florida chiropractor, has named this condition 搕ext neck.?燚ue to the increases in innovative handheld technology, people are looking down and overextending their neck for longer periods of time. As we send a text message or type up a document, our body stays in a locked back and shoulder position with rapidly moving fingers.?燨n average, teenagers send out over eighty texts per day which makes them more likely to develop improper posture.

This trend is increasing at an alarming rate; some even consider the situation to be a global epidemic. Due to the recent increase in new innovative handheld technologies including the iPad, people are looking down and overextending their neck for longer periods of time. "In severe cases the muscles can eventually adapt to fit the flexed position, making it painful to straighten the neck out properly," reports The Telegraph. If the behavior continues it can potentially lead to arthritis and other complications in the future. 燞igh levels of discomfort have also been attributed to laptop usage. Over fifty percent of college students experience computer related pain. Awkward positioning while using track pads and poorly designed workspaces only continue to increase pressure and strain on muscles.

There are many ways to get relief from your worst neck and back pain symptoms. There are various ointments available on the market that reduce the swelling and inflammation that can affect the muscle tissues. Other than using costly medical lotions, there are other more practical ways to manage this pain.?Here are a few tips on how to improve posture and relieve back pain, while still taking advantage of the technology that makes our lives so much easier.

1.牋牋?Take a two minute break for every thirty minutes at a computer.

2.牋牋?Focus on tucking your chin to your check to maintain proper posture

3.牋牋?While texting, it is important to sit up straight and bring your hands in front of your yes to avoid looking down to see the screen.

4.牋牋?Download the 揟ext Neck?app which offers real time feedback about the status of your posture, indicated by a green or red light.