Technology has grown in leaps and bounds that we are all benefiting from them with the smartphones that we are using, tablets, laptops, and other technological devices. It is quite impressive how these products made communication and work more convenient for us wherever we may be. But as with all the things that we are enjoying, our use of these devices may have some effect on our health.

Specialists have already taken notice of the effects of staring down on our gadgets when we use them, with “text neck” being an actual health issue in those who are using their devices regularly. You see, when you look down on your smartphone, you are adding an extra 60 pounds of weight on your spine which is why we often feel aches and pain on our neck, shoulders, and upper back. But the issue is not just limited to our use of smartphones, but other devices as well. Here’s how we commonly use our devices and how to fix it.

Text hunch

We often find ourselves hunched over our smartphone, as we position it below eye level. This causes that added weight on the neck and spine hence the pain. The best way to correct this is to raise your smartphone nearer to your eye level, so that your neck will remain in a neutral position.

Treadmill lean

Anyone who has a treadmill at home or work out in the gym, with the equipment near a TV or monitor, may experience the treadmill lean. As the name suggests, it may be that your body is leaning towards the monitor rather than straight before you. You may think that looking at the screen won’t affect you, but your body is already out of alignment at this point. If you are planning on multitasking as you exercise, you should place the monitor in front of the treadmill, so your body will be in a straight position.

iPad thigh rest

Gadgets like iPad, which are typically bigger than smartphones, tend to require a bigger surface for ease of use. Most of us simply prop it up on our thighs, but this still causes us to hunch over it, even though we have piled pillows behind our back already. Instead of sitting down with your legs bent to place the iPad on your thigh, lie down on your side, with your head on a pillow and your iPad resting on the bed. This way, your spine and neck are aligned.

Elbow bend

Teens often use their phones while in bed, where they lie on their stomach with their upper body propped up on their forearms, while using their phones. This can put a strain on their lower back and may cause stiffness on the shoulders too. and since you can only raise your arms at a certain height in this position, your neck will be bent down adding pressure to your neck. Instead of this position, encourage your teens to lie on their side instead as this will keep their spine aligned.

Laptop slump

Most of us are guilty of sitting cross-legged with our laptop precariously balanced on our lap as we work. Well, this is not really an ideal position for working, as your back becomes rounded and your neck gets bent as you hunch over your laptop. If there is no table nearby, you can place a pillow on your lap to help elevate your laptop, or grab yourself a table instead. This way, you will be able to place your device on a steady surface and you’ll be able to correct your sitting position as well.