Technology Verses The Human Body
Technology can make our life easier, provide us with amazing gadgets, and open us to a world of information and connection. My question is “How does all this technology impact the human body?” Being a bodyworker who has specialized in Repetitive Strain Injuries, body mechanics and ergonomics, I am particularly interested in the interplay of man and machine.
I recently purchased an iPhone. I finally gave up my 8yr old dinosaur of a cell phone. Yes, I wanted a “smart phone”. Hoping that it would make me smarter, and just imagine all the possibilities. Apps, email, video calling, the worldwide web at my fingertips, I anxiously awaited it’s arrival.
Not being a real techy, it took me several days and a bunch of hours to get it all set up and comfortable with at least some of the features. On the third day I woke up with a stiff neck, sore upper back, and tight arms. What was this all about? Did I sleep on something funny? Had I been doing any unusual physical labor? As I sat down to play with my iPhone, a sudden realization hit me.
It was the phone that was making me sore, or more accurately, I was hurting myself with the way I was using this technology. I had discovered a new Repetitive Strain Injury. I call it “iPhone Neck Syndrome”. I had been sitting and standing with my head bent over the phone while holding it and making fine finger movements for hours at a time. This is a recipe for strain and pain.
What to do? I love my new phone and all it’s apps. I was determined to figure out how to enjoy this new toy I mean technology and not hurt myself. A man with a mission.
Ergonomics is the study, practice, and art of fitting an environment to function effectively with the design of the human body. It is also the awareness and practice of using the body to accomplish an activity/task with the least amount of effort or strain and greatest possible ease.
The Ergonomics of the iPhone (or any smart phone)
- Bring the phone up to your head rather than bringing your head down to the phone. This will keep your head resting on top of your body and in alignment with your spine. When the head is hanging down and forward, it is unsupported and the neck, shoulders, and upper back must grip and strain.
- When talking on the phone for extended periods use a wireless headset. This saves arm strain from having to hold the phone up. Never hold the phone clamped between your head and shoulder.
- Take regular and frequent breaks. You should not spend more than 15 minutes at a time on the device.
- Use the device intelligently. Although it can perform many functions, it is not really a computer, gaming station, or video monitor. Do as much as you can on your regular desktop computer and home entertainment center.
- If you are away from home and need to use the smart phone a lot, take the time to stretch your neck, shoulders, and arms.
These ergonomic suggestions will help keep your body happy for many more years of emailing, texting, twittering, skypeing, netflicking, googleing…Wow, I can sure spend a lot of time on all this time-saving technology!