When checking your phone, most of us tilt our heads forward—a habit that places surprising strain on the spine.
The Force on Your Spine
The human head weighs 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms. Leaning it forward amplifies pressure on the spine, reaching up to 27 kilograms in forward positions.
A Spine Surgeon's Alert
Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, MD, Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, warns of the risks. Constant tech use makes poor posture inevitable, even at desks.
Keys to Better Posture
– Sit straight with shoulders back.
– Mark eye level on your screen for reminders.
– Stretch your back often.
– Lift your phone to eye level, don't bend down.
The image below shows pressure rising from 5-6 kg to 27 kg on the vertebrae.
Image: K. Hansraj, MD, Chief of Spine Surgery, New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine
