Did you know the human head weighs about 12 pounds — the equivalent of a medium bowling ball? As you look down at your phone, the weight on your neck begins to increase. To give some perspective, the human head at a 15° angle, is about 27 pounds. At 30°, it weighs about 40 pounds, and at 45°, it weighs about 49 pounds. At 60°, the point in which your head is hunched over your phone, your head weighs about 69 pounds! That’s like carrying a small child.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stiff with discomfort as a result of repetitive actions or motions that do not add much to their overall health. This includes looking down at their phone to check emails or slouching because they are working at their desk all day long. Over time, their posture slumps inward, which creates tension on the neck and shoulders. I call this “Slumpy Dumpy.”
To combat Slumpy Dumpy, I give my clients suggestions on how to get moving throughout their day so they don’t suffer the consequences of a sedentary work environment. Instead of “cracking” my clients into perfect posture, I work with their unique situation. I give them small achievable steps to take them where they need to be (see the video below).
Simple and easy things you can do to help ease neck tension:
• Purchase an iRing (attachable accessory that allows you to comfortably grip your device).
• Look at your devices with your eyes without flexing your neck.
• Exercises for your neck (see the video below).
Neck Exercises Right at Your Desk
Click the video above to learn how you can stretch those neck muscles to ease the tension on your neck while increasing blood flow and circulation.
