Let’s focus on a subject that’s near and dear to my neck: a condition aptly named “Online Spine” or “Computer-Generated Back Pain.” There’s a well-written article in the NYT about this, but it’s behind a paywall. Here’s the gist.
Tethered to our computers, almost half of us experience online spine. Health experts suggest ergonomic interventions in our workspaces to prevent this pervasive issue. Simple adjustments (such as setting our screens at eye level and our arms at right angles) can make a difference. “Neck scrunching,” a habit as common as scrolling, needs conscious rectification.
It’s essential to embrace frequent breaks. Getting up and walking around every 30 minutes is recommended; I set my Apple Watch to ping me every 60 minutes. Researchers even suggest that fidgeting can stave off certain kinds of back pain. Any activity is better than none.
Stretching is your friend when discomfort creeps in. Simple shoulder-opening stretches and hip-flexors can relieve upper and lower back pain. Regular exercises focusing on your core are the best preventive approach. As Dr. Edward Wei, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, says, “Motion is the lotion. You’ve got to move.”
Finally, your in-bed binge-watching position needs an overhaul. Sitting upright with your laptop on a breakfast tray is the way to go, as you trade a bit of comfort for long-term health.
On a personal note, I ignored my neck and back pain for years, to the point where I needed surgery to repair the damage caused by my poor choices of monitor and keyboard position. Now, I use a standing desk and alternate between sitting and standing each hour, and I always keep my forearms at right angles and my monitor at eye level. Trust me: prevention is way better than the cure.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.