Dr. Jeffrey I. Kennis,  D.C.
205 Commercial St Boston, MA 02109 NORTH END

( 617)720-2329


 

Recent news reports about a 2018 study1 have made claims that younger people who are excessively looking down at phone and tablet screens may be causing their skulls to sprout "horns." These reports have generated plenty of discussion on social media and at office water coolers, but the study does not have strong data to support the claims. Besides, the aforementioned "horns" are actually bone spurs on the external occipital protuberance at the base of the skull, which we all have to some degree.

Watch: Cervical Spine Anatomy Video

Image of businesswoman taking phone call in busy office

Although bone spurs on the external occipital protuberance are unlikely to cause symptoms, poor posture is known to contribute to neck and back pain. Read: How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain

While bone spurs on the external occipital protuberance are unlikely to cause symptoms, poor posture is known to contribute to neck and back pain in many people. Whether you have text neck from spending hours looking down at a phone, or have forward head posture from too much time hunched over a computer, these poor habits are not good for your spine. To reduce the risk for developing neck or back pain from poor posture, consider these tips.

See Forward Head Posture’s Effect on Neck Muscles

1. Remember to use good posture.

Some ideas to help maintain good posture throughout the day include:

  • Keep your head in neutral position. When sitting or standing, keep your shoulders back and the ears directly over the shoulders. This neutral position keeps the head better balanced atop the spine with less stress on the muscles and joints.
    Watch: Video: 6 Tips to Improve Posture While Sitting
  • Consider your workstation setup. When sitting at a computer, your monitor should be at eye level, elbows at your sides and bent about 90° with the keyboard easily within reach, and both feet flat on the ground. Some people may need to make adjustments to their workstation, such as by using a different office chair or getting a monitor stand.
    See Office Chair: How to Reduce Back Pain?
  • Raise your phone closer to eye level. When reading or sending messages on a phone, more stress is placed on the spine if the neck is bent looking down at a table or your lap. If you keep your phone up closer to eye level, the neck doesn’t need to bend forward so much.
    See Text Neck Treatment and Prevention

Breaking bad habits can be challenging at first. It might help to set automatic reminders throughout the day to check your posture.

See Posture to Straighten Your Back

2. Take breaks.

Our spines were meant to move. If you have a desk job or a project that requires computer work, try to take a break every hour for at least a few minutes. Get up and go for a short walk, or try some light stretches for the neck and back. Taking regular breaks from looking at a screen is also good for the eyes and may reduce eyestrain.

Watch: 4 Easy Stretches for Neck and Shoulder Pain Video

Some people may also benefit from an adjustable standing desk. Too much sitting or standing can be hard on the spine and body in general, but switching things up for part of the day can help some people. An adjustable standing desk is not for everyone, so try to test standing and working before buying one. Some people may also want to first try a portable desk riser, which tend to cost less.

See Workplace Ergonomics and Neck Pain

3. Exercise regularly.

It is important to keep your neck and back strong and flexible to help reduce the risk for developing pain and stiffness. Staying active can keep the muscles in shape, such as by regularly hiking, playing sports, swimming, doing yardwork, and other physical activities.

Watch: 3 Easy Neck Exercises for Neck Pain Video

Exercises and stretches that focus on the neck, chest, and core muscles can help the body hold healthy posture throughout the day. If you haven’t exercised in a while or are already dealing with neck or back pain, it can help to have a trained health professional—such as a physiatrist or physical therapist—design an exercise program to meet your individual goals. Also, if a particular exercise worsens your pain, stop it and check with your doctor.

See Neck Strengthening Exercises

In the meantime, it’s fine to continue using and benefiting from modern technology while remembering to use good posture, take breaks, and stay active.

Learn more:

This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.