Poor posture in front of screens causes damage to the neck and shoulders

Poor positioning in front of computers is already considered an old problem and one that often goes unnoticed. When we notice less, we are already with a crooked posture in the chair, creating the habit of always sitting that way.

Over time, problems arise, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue and even deviations in the spine. But in addition, research in the United States explained how poor posture can also affect the neck and shoulders.

Done at the State University of San Francisco, the study counted on the participation of the students themselves to carry out various tests.

In a first analysis, the participants sat in front of the computer with their heads straight and on the same neck line – a posture considered correct. Then the teachers asked them to tilt their heads forward, as if they were trying to read something miniscule.

92% of students reported that they found it easier to extend their neck without flexing it down.

In the second test, students were asked to project their head forward again, this time with their neck flexed – a posture considered incorrect. In the end, the vast majority (98%) experienced pain in the eyes, neck or head.

Using electrodes, the researchers also identified a greater tension in the trapezius muscle (located in the trunk and neck region) when the head is positioned in front.

Long-term effects

When we compress the neck to get close to the computer screen, this flexion added to the weight of the head and the force of gravity increases muscle tension and can, in the long run, limit movement to the sides.

However, the pain may not be caused only by the use of the computer, but also by the use of the cell phone.

By forcing your head down and tilting your neck forward for a long time and daily, the body can suffer a series of problems such as joint overload, muscle imbalance and changes in the spine.

The problem is so serious that in most children and adolescents, poor positioning can cause the curvature of the spine to change more easily, given that they are still in a period of bone growth.

Thus, the correct way to position yourself while in front of the screens is to align your head with your neck, keeping it straight .

In the case of computers, it is also worth using supports to touch both the back and the head and arms. But, most importantly, it is done in a way that is comfortable for the person sitting.

Use of the computer and the brain

In addition to the harm in posture, spending hours and hours in front of the computer can also be dangerous for the brain. When we are sitting or standing before a screen, we cannot see the movement that the display is producing.

This is because our eye is not able to perceive these movements, giving the sensation that the screen remains static.

However, our brain is able to capture all the movements of the computer, and causes that feeling of tiredness , especially due to the amount of time of exposure.

And when we don’t change position for long hours, the symptoms go to the nervous system, causing stress , irritability and tiredness.

So, be careful when staying in contact with these devices for long periods. Excess can cause mental overload, loss of sleep and other problems related to the structure of the body.


We cannot deny that the use of electronic devices makes everyday life easier. However, when in excess, it can be harmful to health and quality of life.

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