The habit of looking at the device while walking can cause everything from severe body pain to more serious fractures.
Summary
Cell phone use while walking presents orthopedic health risks, such as muscle strains, text neck syndrome, sprains and fractures, which can be minimized with caution and ergonomically correct posture.
Mobile phones have become an extension of our lives, being part of almost every moment of our routine and serving as assistants in our daily lives. However, doing simple tasks like walking can present a number of risks that often go unnoticed.
In conversation with the EarthDaniel Oliveira, orthopedic doctor specializing in the spine and director of the NOT Núcleo de Ortopedia e Traumatologia de Belo Horizonte, explains the main orthopedic health risks associated with cell phone use while walking.
According to the expert, when using the cell phone while walking, our attention is divided and this can lead to poor posture, such as tilting the head down to look at the screen.
“This position can cause tension in the neck, shoulders and back. Furthermore, divided attention increases the risk of tripping or hitting objects, causing orthopedic injuries, such as sprains, fractures or bruises,” explains the orthopedist.
Do you have sudden headaches during work? See what it could be
Additionally, this posture can lead to the development of problems such as “text neck” syndrome, where excessive tension occurs in the muscles and ligaments of the neck due to the constant tilting of the head, which can cause back pain. neck, shoulders, upper back and even headaches.
In addition to musculoskeletal injuries, distraction from cell phone use can also lead to accidents that result in ankle and knee sprains and even more serious fractures. Reduced attention also leads to slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The doctor indicates some preventive measures that can be adopted to reduce the risks associated with cell phone use while walking:
- Avoid using the devices especially in busy or unknown areas;
- Stop in a safe place before starting to write or read;
- Remember to maintain the correct posture when using your mobile phone, even when stationary, with the screen at eye level to avoid tilting your head downwards;
- Be aware of the environment, avoiding obstacles and potential dangers;
- Perform strengthening and stretching exercises for the areas of the body most affected by poor posture, such as the neck, shoulders and back.
Combining running and cycling: discover duathlon
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
