Keeping your back healthy and pain-free is important for your overall well-being. There are a variety of reasons why the spine may hurt over a prolonged period of time. Sitting, sleeping or standing in an improper position can all lead to back pain.
Another intriguing reason why one’s back may ache was reported recently by CBS News. According to the source, texting and looking at the small screen of a smartphone while standing at an unnatural angle can lead to backaches.
Americans spend anywhere between two to four hours every day with their neck bent forward sending emails or texts to their colleagues and friends via cell phone. Essentially, the problem at hand is that the head weighs more and puts more stress on the cervical spine the further one bends the neck forward.
“The weight seen by the spine dramatically increases when flexing the head forward at varying degrees,” a study published in Surgical Technology International explains. “Loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses about the cervical spine. These stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration and possibly surgeries.”
To improve posture, it is vital to keep the ears positioned with the shoulders and to pull back the shoulder blades. Past studies have even found that proper posture can limit the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in your body and increase serotonin.
If your back aches, there are also particular floor exercises that can alleviate the pain. The Mayo Clinic provided a list of useful stretches you can follow (click here). Try lying on your back and pulling your legs into your chest. Some other useful exercises include the cat stretch, the dancer’s stretch and the seated trapezius stretch.
If your spine is in severe, prolonged pain, be sure to visit your primary care doctor or make a direct appointment with a chiropractor to heal any aches and improve your range of motion.