Try out your gadgets before you buy them
Gadgets are at the top of many peoples’ Christmas wish-lists this year and their popularity means that now almost a third of the nation are typically carrying two or more items of technology each day.
Recent research commissioned by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) revealed that almost a quarter of the nation complain of back, neck or shoulder pain whilst using or carrying gadgets.
So, if you are anticipating one of the ‘must have’ technology gadgets this Christmas, the BCA has some advice to ensure you enjoy your new ‘toy’ pain free.
Tim Hutchful from the BCA comments: “There is no doubt that the latest technology will be top of Christmas wish lists this year, but it is important that we recognise the potential impact on our bodies and learn to lessen the impact on pressure points with some simple steps.
"This is something we should be conscious of now more than ever, as 36% of the nation currently suffering from back or neck pain, up from 32% in 2010.”
The BCA has devised some simple hints and tips, so that you can text, surf and play without adding injury to your festive fun:
· Try out new gadgets before you buy them to make sure they’re comfortable to use and spend time setting them up in a way that works well for you.
· Don’t carry so many items in your bag all the time. Only pack what you need each day and avoid ‘doubling up’ on your tech i.e. camera and smartphone if at all possible.
· The head is a heavy weight and sitting with it forward of your body puts unnecessary strain on your neck and back so always sit with your head directly over your body.
· Avoid surfing and texting whilst walking as your lack of concentration is likely to cause some kind of problem!
· If using your mobile, smartphone, laptop or tablet whilst sitting down, including on your commute, take the time to break position on a regular basis and stretch your arms, shrug your shoulders and move your fingers around as this helps to keep the muscles more relaxed.
· When sitting in front of your PC or laptop, sit in chairs that provide full support for your spine and make sure your shoulders, hips and knees face the same direction.
· Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 40 minutes, less if possible. When you do take a break, walk around and stretch a little.
· If you carry a laptop, use a rucksack design laptop case. Carry it on both shoulders and adjust the straps so that the bag is held close to your back.
The BCA has also devised a simple three minute exercise routine, called ‘Straighten Up UK’. This can be incorporated into our daily lives to help strengthen the spine and improve posture. The exercise routine and other practical advice to help avoid back problems and improve posture is available at www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.