Why Your Neck Hurts After Looking Down at Google Maps All Day

Whether you're exploring tourist attractions, writing emails, or texting back your mom, you will be looking down at your smartphone. Google Maps, train schedules, translation apps, restaurant recommendations… you can become overly dependent on your phone, a travel buddy of sorts. 

If you've noticed stiffness, soreness, or even headaches after a day of sightseeing, your posture while using your phone may be part of the reason.

What is “Tech Neck"?

There is a phrase used to describe this phenomenon, called tech neck. This term is commonly used to describe neck and upper back discomfort associated with spending long periods looking down at electronic devices. 

Your neck can be put on strain for hours at a time, as many people's lives now revolve on some form of an electronic device. When tilting your head forward, the muscles in your neck work harder to support its weight. This puts a strain on the muscles and joints that support your neck. 

Why It's So Common in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, so navigating yourself often includes your smart phone. Even if you currently live here, or have visited previously, the city is so vast that any person would need to pull out their phone for confirmation of direction. 

Instead of looking up and ahead, we often spend long stretches with our heads angled downward. Even though each glance may only last a few seconds, those moments add up over the course of a busy day.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

The good news is that you don't have to stop using your phone completely, you just need to make a few slight adjustments to your habits. 

Try these simple habits while exploring Tokyo:

• Raise Your Phone Closer to Eye Level

  
  

Whenever it's practical and safe, bring your phone up instead of dropping your head down. Even small changes in viewing angle can reduce the amount of time your neck spends in a forward-flexed position.

This is a rule that I refer to as the “nipple rule”. As holding your phone above your chest will avoid the hunched, hanging neck that is no good for your posture. You don't have to look at your phone in a downwards angled manner, we just have become accustomed to it

. 

• Take Navigation Breaks

  
  

Instead of checking directions every few steps, stop for a moment, review your route, then continue walking with your head up.Not only does this reduce time spent looking down, but it also helps you enjoy the city around you! 

• Stretch Throughout the Day

  
  

Every hour or two, take a minute to gently roll your shoulders, stretch your chest, and slowly move your neck through a comfortable range of motion. This can be done while waiting for your train, or by stepping to the side on an empty street. Fit these brief stretches into your day, your body will thank you later. 

When to Seek Consultation 

This is me, Dr. Ariel Thorpe at my Chiropractor office in Tokyo!

If you are in a state of discomfort, regarding any body aches please consider booking with a chiropractor. After a long flight, and hours of sightseeing it would be a good idea to be corrected before your symptoms worsen. Feel free to book with me right here. If you have any questions I will list my email here.

Please have a wonderful Summer with your friends and family! Thank you for taking time to read my blog.