Oh noooo! For some reason, each of us has a head that weighs about 11 pounds. Apparently that's the trade-off we make for our big, beautiful brains. Luckily, the neck and spine are designed to support this weight, as long as it's well-balanced. The problems start when we tilt our heads forward, like when we're on our phones. Which is, on average, three hours a day. Yikes!
The law of physics
This time, the math is not very nice.
A study found that "As the head tilts forward the forces seen by the neck surges to 27 pounds at 15 degrees, 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees, and 60 pounds at 60 degrees."
Carrying an additional 60 pounds on your neck is like giving an adult kangaroo a piggyback ride.
Our necks are not designed for that kind of wear and tear.
Short- and long-term consequences
In the short term, constantly tilting your head forward can cause headaches, neck pain, pain in the shoulders, pain in the upper back, and tingling or numbness in your hands. Over the years, it can even result in the loss of the natural curve of the spine. The longer you have incorrect posture, the more your body adapts to it — some muscles will shorten and others will lengthen — and the harder it can be to break those habits.
Text thoughtfully
Be aware of your neck when you use your phone. It can help to observe others — at a respectful distance, of course. When you see bad posture in action, it can help you remember to keep your head up.
“Paying attention to your body’s signals. Don’t ignore continued pain, weakness in the arms, or headache and neck stiffness.”
Stay flexible and strong
Cobra pose is our go-to when we want to reverse the effects of leaning forward at the neck or waist.
Here’s a video that demonstrates a full routine for neck strength and flexibility. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider (we’re here for you!), and always take it slow.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.