You've probably heard that texting is bad for your health at one point, but decided to ignore it because texting is so much more convenient than a phone call.
However, according to a new study in Surgical Technology International, craning the neck over a cell phone to text can exert an extra 60 pounds of weight on the head of an adult, which can eventually lead to spinal problems, according to Yahoo News.
To get these results, study author and New York spinal surgeon Dr. Kenneth K. Hansraj reportedly created a model of cervical spine to measure the amount of gravitational force exerted on the human head during this common activity. He then reportedly measured the face at various angles and found that the farther your head falls forward, the more dramatically the weight increased on your neck and spine.
"An adult head weighs 10 to 12 pounds in the neutral position," Hansraj wrote in the paper.
He continued, "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."
Your spine is reportedly at its happiest when your ears fall on the same plane as your shoulders and your shoulder blades are retracted, according to the Odisha Sun Times. People reportedly use their cell phones for roughly two to four hours a day, which means that our necks stay bent for 700 to 1,400 hours in a given year.
"High school students are even worse as they may hit 5,000 hours before they graduate," stated Hansard.
If you still don't think texting is bad for your health, think about it this way. The 60 pounds of weight added on your head while texting is reportedly the equivalent to holding roughly six sacks of potatoes, six large watermelons or an 8-year-old.
Dr. Hansraj, who is a back surgeon, reportedly stated that the goal of this study isn't so people can use less of their technology.
"My message is about bridging consciousness to the use of these devices," stated Hansraj, who suggests using your cell phones at eye level when possible will reduce the stress on your neck and spine.
