TECH NECK

TECH-NECK: a new epidemic ?

Cell phones are the most favourite to pass time specially while commuting. We often see people bending their neck & engrossed in their phones.Prolonged bending of neck and using cell phone or laptops or iPads puts an undue stress on the neck muscles and corresponding cervical vertebra.More the bending of the neck, more is the load on neck.Repeated such movements damages and weaken the neck muscles and vertebra resulting in their wear and tear. Gradually muscles become stiff and spastic & bones ( vertebrae) start losing their strength. This condition is called CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS (usually this is age related but currently seenin young age group.)

People usually experiences neck pain, tingling, numbness, heaviness, headache.

WHAT TO DO:

• Avoid activities that needs prolonged neck bending.

• Restricting cell phone usage when not needed.

• Cold fomentation to relieve spasm in acute conditions.

• Physiotherapy - Postural and Neck Ergonomics training & To strengthen the neck muscles (isometric neck exercises)