Is Staying Connected a Pain in the Neck? Get TechnoHealthy!

American Chiropractic Association Launches 2011 Public Health Awareness Campaign The world is getting smaller thanks to modern technology; but unfortunately, aches and pains are growing as a result. This fall, doctors of chiropractic (DCs) will educate the public on how they can stay connected without pain during National Chiropractic Health Month in October. This year’s theme—"Get TechnoHealthy!"—focuses on ways people can remain healthy while toting the gadgets they love or working long hours in front of a computer. The excessive use of mobile devices and incorrect posture while using smart phones and other gadgets or while sitting in front of a computer can lead to neck, back, wrist and even thumb pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal issues. The problem is becoming so widespread that earlier this year a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the biggest workplace health and safety problems in American industry. "People will be delighted to learn that they can enjoy technology without experiencing pain," says Dr. Rick McMichael, president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). "Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain the same stooped-over posture for long periods of time or to repeat the same motions endlessly. The good news is that there are stretches and exercises that can help prevent pain and injury. There are also natural approaches to treating aches and pain, such as chiropractic care, that don’t involve drugs or surgery."

Experts in treating musculoskeletal conditions, DCs can offer patients a number of strategies to lessen the toll of technology on their bodies. Among them:

• When using devices such as smart phones and BlackBerries that have small keyboards, avoid typing for more than three minutes without a break.
• Keep messages short and simple; abbreviate.
• Practice using other fingers for typing, especially when thumbs hurt.
• Don’t slouch when texting.
• Keep wrists upright, straight and close to the body when holding a device.
• Don’t bend your neck excessively when texting; tuck your chin in instead and look down.
• Turn your devices off on the weekends (or at least Sunday)!
• Get outside, exercise and enjoy nature, too! Balance is key to staying healthy.
  

For more tips on proper use of technology and good health, visit www.TechnoHealthy.com.

Sponsored by ACA, National Chiropractic Health Month is a nationwide observance held each October. The event helps raise public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered approach to health and wellness.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of patient care and ethics, and supports research, legislation, insurance reforms, and public awareness activities that contribute to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit www.acatoday.org.