New research suggests the hunched motion you take on when you send a text message could put an extra 60 pounds of pressure on your neck.
Bending your head at a 60-degree angle to send a text could put a significant burden on the neck, according to a recent study published in the journal Surgical Technology International., the Daily News reported.
"Loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine ... may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration and possible surgeries," author Dr. Kenneth K. Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, told the Daily News.
The average human head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds, and tilting it downwards to send a text message or perform other activities on a smartphone greatly increases the gravitational pull, the Atlantic reported.
"As the head tilts forward the forces seen by the neck surges to 27 pounds at 15 degrees, 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees and 60 pounds at 60 degrees," Hansraj wrote in his paper, the Atlantic reported.
Past research on posture suggests having a healthy stance has a number of positive effects, such as boosting serotonin and testosterone levels and lowering levels of the potentially dangerous hormone cortisol, the Daily News reported. Studies suggest posture can also have an influence over one's personality: those with the best posture also tend to be risk takers, while others who slump tend to me more likely to play it safe.
"Individuals should make an effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours each day hunched over," Hansraj said, the Daily News reported.
In the study Hansraj also pointed out that sitting at a desk all day can cause significant damage to the spine, the Huffington Post reported. Taking precautions such as stretching often and taking breaks to walk around as well as positioning one's monitor so it is straight on can help alleviate this.
