In a global epidemic the cervical syndrome progresses and the main reason is the use of electronic devices, mainly smartphones. Much of the population of almost all ages reads, scrolls or writes on his cellphone, having a wrong posture, thus burdening the first part of the spine.
In the past, the phone served only for vocal communication, but today it serves many needs, such as information, education and entertainment. People spend daily More than 3 hours In their phones, with half of users exceeding four to five hours. A smaller percentage of a computer in their work exceeds eight hours, after returning home they devote another two or more hours to the computer or smartphone.
But as the total time dedicated to the use of display with display, the more the neck is burdenedsince the bending of the head particularly strains the structures of the area.
“Despite the numerous benefits of mobile phones, their excessive use has led to a worrying issue of health, known as cervical syndrome. This is not a condition but a set of symptoms including persistent pain and neck stiffness, neuralgia, dizziness, and headache, ”explains Spine Surgeon, Department of Spine Clinic, Dr. Constantine Starantzis.
“The syndrome can have harmful effects on the cervical spine, the muscles that support it, the joints, the nerves, the tendons and the bone, reversing the natural curvature of the spine. Those suffering from it are more likely to develop early cervical spine (spine arthritis) and degeneration of intervertebral discs, “he adds.
To make it easier to understand the reason for prolonged bending of the head can lead to cervical syndrome and over time in more severe diseases, it is sufficient to compare the pressure exerted on the neck at each position. In a neutral position, this is about 4-5 kg, but the tilt by 60 degrees increases the load to over 27 kg. This repetitive stress leads to muscle fatigue, joint stress, and even permanent changes in the spine over time.
“Along with the increase in the number of cervical syndrome sufferers, in recent years, cervical spine, a phenomenon that is also attributed to the prolonged use of smart phones, has also been a significant rise. It is a chronic, degenerative change of cervical spine that affects the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, ligaments, tendons and muscles that support the spine and can evolve into discs, cause the bone,
Studies have found that active participation in sports protects against the degeneration of the cervical disc, as it helps to decline cervical muscle fatigue and reduce the load of the intervertebral discs.
In addition to the importance of sports as a means of preventing neck pain, there are other behaviors that can prevent damage.
The regular breaks discharge the pressure it receives. Mild stretching every 20-30 minutes and a regular neck and shoulder muscle strengthening program are beneficial additions to everyday life that prevent pain. OR yoga It can also improve posture and flexibility. Even a five -minute or ten -minute session in a sitting position can protect against pain or rigidity in the future.
Its maintenance correct posture It is the most essential measure of avoiding cervical pain. To achieve it, the screen must be at the height of the eyes in order to avoid bending the neck forward. The choice of an adjustable height chair is also deterrent. The position in the office must be at right angles and the spine is applied to the seat. Those who use a laptop to place it on a table instead of their arms.
However, by limiting the time spent on the screen, the chances of developing cervical syndrome or other more serious diseases are significantly reduced.
If these changes do not relieve those who have already suffered damage to the neck, or if the pain deteriorates, or is accompanied by fatigue, nausea or headaches, medical investigation is required to find relief. There are treatments that relieve the spine from pressure without surgery – medication, physiotherapy and the use of cervical splints and guardians.
“Smartphones are invaluable tools for modern education and communication. It is necessary, however, to have a balance between the use of technology and the health of the spine.
The application of the above prevention measures significantly reduces the chances of lesions in the cervical spine and any complications in the future.
In this way everyone can enjoy the benefits of technology without endangering their health, “concludes Dr. Starantzis.