How do you use your cell phone?

Do you use a cell phone for business and personal calls? Most people use a cell phone and have gotten rid of their home or office phones. Are you experiencing neck pain?   

The common issue when using the cell phone is your neck posture. You are looking down at your cell phone when you are checking your e-mail, texting a friend, or looking through social media. This puts a lot of strain on your neck. Consider bringing the cell phone to you versus your head to the phone. It is not as private, but it will decrease neck discomfort. Keep your elbows next to your body, elbows bent at ~135°, chin level, and over your shoulders, and your eyes are looking down at the phone without bringing your head forward and down. Hold the phone with one hand and scroll on your e-mail or social media with the other hand. Make sure to switch hands periodically. If you text, consider using voice text or using the swipe method if you have an Android phone. This does not work with iPhones. Make sure to take breaks and do some hand/wrist exercises. You might consider a pop socket to take the pressure off gripping the phone.

When making a call, if it is a long call, or multi-tasking use a corded or cordless headset to reduce holding the phone for a long period of time since you are probably using a clawing posture while holding the phone. Place the phone in your pocket or on your desk. Consider walking or standing while you are using your cell phone to give you a break and put in some steps during the day, that is if you don’t need to be using your computer. If you are on a short call, practice switching ears periodically during the call. Do not cradle your phone between your shoulder and ear.

If you have any further questions, contact me at kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com or you can schedule some time with me to discuss this topic at https://calendly.com/ergonomicsandyou/1-1-consult.