Beyond Neck Pain: How Your Smartphone Is Affecting Your Heart, Eyes, and Nervous System
If you're reading this, chances are you've already experienced some discomfort from your smartphone—maybe tension in your neck, headaches, or that nagging upper back pain. As your local chiropractor in Largo, Hollstrom & Associates Inc sees an epidemic of tech-related issues, and the newest research reveals the issue runs deeper than you might think. It's not always "just' neck pain. Our gentle spinal manipulation treatment can help!
YOUR SPINE AFFECTS YOUR HEART
What surprises most of our chiropractic patients: forward head posture impacts much more than just your neck. New studies show it's directly impacting your autonomic nervous system—the part managing your heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response. (1) When your head moved forward into "text neck" position, it creates compression in your upper cervical spine, interfering with proper nerve signaling and triggering your sympathetic nervous system. Your body stays in fight-or-flight mode, increasing heart rate and blood pressure—all from looking down at your phone. Weird to think about, but you are not the only one feeling these effects!
THE SPINE-EYE CONNECTION YOU NEED TO KNOW
Researchers are now documenting "cervical oculopathy"—where neck misalignments cause vision problems including blurry vision, eye pain, dry eyes, and even contributing to conditions like glaucoma. (2) When your cervical spine is misaligned, it can compress blood vessels and nerves supplying your eyes. Studies found that patients with chronic, unexplained visual symptoms often show significant cervical spine issues and compressed jugular veins, impairing drainage from the brain and eyes.
WHY DIFFICULT TASKS MAKE EVERYTHING WORSE
Research measuring actual neck angles during smartphone use found that complex tasks worsen your posture. (3) When you type, your head drops more than 30 degrees forward; watching videos keeps it closer to 26 degrees. People who utilize phones more heavily develop even more extreme flexion angles—a downward spiral impacting spinal alignment with every text.
THE REAL RISK FACTORS MIGHT SURPRISE YOU
Here's the twist: a year-long study discovered that cervical flexion angle during smartphone use wasn't the primary predictor of neck pain. (4) Instead, poor sleep quality and lack of physical activity were the real culprits instigating neck pain. The lifestyle factors surrounding heavy phone use—disrupted sleep and sedentary behavior—may cause even more musculoskeletal damage.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc FOR YOUR CHIROPRACTIC ACTION PLAN
This research reinforces our healthcare approach at Hollstrom & Associates Inc. Regular chiropractic adjustments maintain proper cervical alignment and nervous system function, but you also need good sleep and physical activity. When using your phone, bring it closer to eye level, especially when typing, and take breaks often.
Your nervous system controls everything. When smartphone habits compromise your spinal health, the effects branch out. Working to keep proper spinal alignment via regular chiropractic care may well protect your heart, eyes, sleep, and overall nervous system function for the long haul.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he talks about the interaction of the nervous system and vagus nerve and the role The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management may have for chiropractic patients seeking pain relief.
Make your Largo chiropractic appointment now.
