We use our mobile phones for almost everything.

Whether you are connecting with friends and family on Facebook, catching up on the latest news stories, finding a recipe for dinner or looking at the forecast, chances are, you are using your mobile phone to do so. Although many benefits come with our phones, there is a great deal of hunching over involved when we look at them, which is leading to an epidemic of spinal issues throughout the country.

How looking at your phone affects your spine.

The average human head weighs approximately 10 pounds, and for every inch that you tilt your head forward to check out your phone, the pressure that is put on your spine doubles. If you are looking at your lap, there is 20 to 30 pounds of pressure being put on your neck. Over time, all of this hunching over can lead to some serious problems for your spine, including spinal degeneration.

How can you avoid putting excess pressure on your spine?

1.) Visit your chiropractor in Sante Fe – One of the most effective ways to combat the excess pressure is with regular chiropractic adjustments. Your chiropractor will realign your spine so that it stays in the optimal position.

2.) Be aware of your body – Make sure that your ears are directly above your shoulders to prevent your head from tilting forward, keep your shoulders rolled back and make sure that your feet are flat on the floor. When looking at your phone, hold it up in front of you with your hands, rather than bending down to look at it.

3.) Take frequent phone breaks – Take frequent breaks from your phone or computer, as a general rule, you should stand up and move around every 20 minutes or so.