2374 Neckst

We've all heard of various problems associated with smartphone usage. Traffic and pedestrian accidents and sometimes deaths associated with folks dividing their attention between their phones and the harsh reality of reality. Carpal thumbal syndrome from tweeting too much. Now scientists have confirmed a different hazard.

Text neck.

Yep, text neck, a physical condition that can result in cramps, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and early degeneration of the spine. 

From Generation X to Degeneration Necks, oh the perils of technology. The techs sending texts wreak wrecks to their necks. 

If it's not one thing it's another. Like the whole world is a pain in the you know what. First we had to worry about taco neck. Now we have to worry about text neck. Massage therapists and chiropractors take note. Smartphones are calling business your way. 

Here's the basis of the scientific theory. The human head generally weighs 10 to 12 pounds. That's fine when you're balancing it on the top end of your backbone. But when you tilt it forward you increase the force and stress exerted on the spine. 

Using computer models, researcher and back surgeon Kenneth Hansraj measured the amount of that force as the head bends forward. We're assuming he used good posture instead of hunkering over his computer.

He determined that a head bowed at a mere 15 degrees adds about 27 pounds of pressure to the spine. When the angle increased to 60 degrees, which is fairly typical of a person looking down at his or her smartphone, the strain swells to 60 pounds, which is comparable to the weight of four bowling balls. 

Dude! Four bowling balls on the end of my neck! That kind of pain is not up my alley. Is there an app for that? 

America, ya gotta love it.