>
‘Technek’ is plaguing the world as people overwork their bones and muscles by staring at screens for too long – but a study shows that Americans are faring the worst.
Wellness experts analyzed Google searches for “tech neck” and “correct bad posture,” and found that both were higher in the US, followed by Australia and Canada.
Research shows that the average American spends more than five hours a day scrolling and even more time staring at screens, leading to repetitive strain on the bones and muscle stiffness.
A wellness and posture expert has revealed quick fixes to improve the pain and poor posture, including yoga moves like the Standing Forward Bend and Warrior II Pose.
A recent study found that Google searches for ‘tech neck’ solutions are higher in the US, while demand for tips to ‘correct bad posture’ rose 873 percent this month
A technical neck can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, because in a way it is.
The average adult’s head weighs 10-12 pounds, and tilting it forward at a 45-degree angle to stare at a smartphone increases the force on the neck by nearly 50 pounds.
The New York-Presbyterian Hospital defines “tech neck” as “the consequences of spending too much time looking down at phones or tablets, or tilting your head too far forward to look at a computer screen,” which can lead to “pain , stiffness, and even injuries.’
And while it seems easy to avoid, “tech neck” has numerous long-term side effects. It can cause headaches, numbness in your hands, and even permanent changes in the spine.
This is because hovering over your phone for hours on end can cause your neck muscles to lengthen and your chest muscles to shorten, increasing the pressure on your upper back.
The new research, commissioned by ISSA yogasearches for “soar neck” have increased nearly 30 percent in the US in the past month.
Research shows that the average American spends more than five hours a day scrolling and even more time staring at screens, leading to repetitive strain on the bones and muscle stiffness
Ireland ranks 4th for people with a tech neck, followed by 5. Malta, Singapore and the UK.
Finland, Norway and Cyprus are at the bottom of the top 10.
Just as some people get sick when they stop working for a vacation, others will realize that rushing to meet last-minute deadlines before the summer sun hits has had a detrimental effect on their posture, resulting in low neck and back pain. upper back pain,” said Erika Weiss, a wellness and posture expert at ISSA Yoga.
“This is especially true for people who sit at their desks continuously for long periods of time or who work remotely and are therefore less likely to take restorative breaks.”
Weiss emphasized the importance of an ergonomic setup when using devices.
“One of the easiest ways to ease discomfort caused by poor posture is to place your devices at eye level,” she said.
“Try to be aware of how upright you are sitting, and if you find yourself starting to slump when you concentrate or have trouble reading, try to control yourself and take a break if possible.
“Don’t roll your shoulders forward or stretch your neck to look at your screen.”
The same protocol should also be used after work to relax, play video games or watch television.
Another way to relieve technical neck is through yoga, while stretching and relaxing the muscles that become tense during the day.
Weiss suggested that the best moves are low-impact and bind the spine without adding stress.
However, the wellness expert warns yoga newbies against rushing exercise.
“Many follow the most common or most popular routines without thinking about their suitability, which can exacerbate back problems and cause more pain,” she said.
“Unless you’re experienced, it’s best to stick to the following moves that can relieve neck and upper back pain — but be sure not to push yourself too much at first.
“Some moves you might want to try are the standing forward bend (starting in the raised hands pose), the warrior II pose, and the extended triangle pose.”