Lower back pain is a reminder that our bodies aren’t as young as they once were, making it difficult to sit, stand, or move comfortably. There are several reasons why this could be happening. We already know that 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain; what you may ignore is that our technologies are part of the problem. At Genesis and Orthopaedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of lower back pain, providing you with minimally invasive solutions

Technology and Lower Back Pain in New Jersey: How Smartphones and Laptops Affect Your Spine

How Do Technologies Cause Lower Back Pain?

How is your posture right now? Are you reading this on your phone? Maybe on your laptop? Yes, that’s the norm nowadays. On average, Americans spend 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on their phones. Some people spend eight or more hours using a computer during the workday. After work, you may spend even more time on a home computer or your phone. The combined time spent using a screened device is highly fatiguing for your body, and you can end up suffering from neck to lower back pain.

How Smartphones Trigger Lower Back Pain

Our phones have become yet another limb for us; just passing an hour without them means being disconnected from the world around us. Unfortunately, this situation creates more than just neck discomfort.

When we look down at our phones, we adopt a posture that alters our head’s center of gravity, and as a result, our lower back muscles must work harder to maintain balance, leading to increased tension and potential pain. The Neck may take the worst part when you’re looking at your phone; nevertheless, your whole spine will be affected.

Desktop Pc and Laptop-Induced Lower Back Pain

When it comes to the workspace, we’re somewhat limited by our obligations; nonetheless, that’s no excuse to ignore our posture. We need to consider that Laptops are designed for portability, not ergonomics. At the moment of using a laptop, most people either crane their necks to see the screen or hunch their shoulders to use the keyboard.

While desktop computers may be a more ergonomic option than laptops, they are prone to the same poisonous combination of poor posture and prolonged sitting. All the factors mentioned before and the lack of proper support increase the probability of suffering from lower back pain.

How Do The Muscle Imbalances Create Lower Back Pain?

Perhaps you’re wondering: “If I am just looking down at my phone, stressing my neck, then why is my lower back at risk?” Remember, the spine is a whole, interconnected system in itself; prolonged use of a posture, such as when using your phone or laptop, can create muscle imbalances that contribute to lower back pain.

Muscle imbalance can cause the front of the body (chest and hip flexors) to become overactive, while the muscles in the back become weak and underactive. These imbalances pull the spine out of its natural alignment, creating compensatory patterns that stress the lower back muscles.

While lifestyle changes and healthy breaks from screen time can be beneficial improvements and help prevent problems, such as lower back pain, some situations may require a more professional approach to address spine health and back issues.

What Treatments Are Available for Lower Back Pain in New Jersey?

Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine specializes in non-surgical back pain treatments. The team will evaluate your symptoms and choose the most fitting pain management treatments for you, as well as offer suggestions for lifestyle changes that contribute to minimizing the pain.

Options for lower back pain treatment include: