WESTLAKE, Ohio, Nov. 08, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Michael Darr, D.C. seeks to educate local residents about the developing side effect of intense smartphone usage, known as “Tech Neck.” Chiropractor and owner of Advanced Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center in Westlake, Ohio, Dr. Darr is concerned about how smartphone users are bending their necks forward for hours at a time, which can cause strain on the neck muscles and damage to other parts of the body.
“Smartphone users, especially teens, can spend up to three hours a day hunched over their mobile devices texting, playing games, watching videos or reading,” said Dr. Darr, a doctor of chiropractic for more than 30 years.
The repetitive stress injury can affect the nerves, bones and muscles in the neck and shoulders, and eventually cause other problems like numbness in the hands and wrists, spasms in the shoulders and upper back, compression of spinal discs and spinal misalignment.
Dr. Darr compares the behavior to holding a 12-pound bowling ball at arm’s length for an extended period of time, which is the approximate weight of the human head. The farther someone leans forward, the more weight is exerted and greater stress placed on the neck.
“I’m not going to tell my patients to stop using their phones altogether,” he said. “But I want to caution people about the real risks of extended use, and encourage them to try to find ways to use their devices that isn’t so damaging, including simply holding them higher, at eye level.”
Advanced Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center can offer chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, massage therapy and other services to help Tech Neck or other pain-causing conditions.
Dr. Darr, a third-generation chiropractor, offers treatment for a variety of conditions, including herniated discs, whiplash, pinched nerves and arthritis. If you’ve been in a car accident, suffered a workplace injury, have chronic pain or similar conditions, the staff at Advanced Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center are happy to assist.
“We use state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced technologies to help figure out what’s happening to your body and how to fix it,” he said. “Every case we see is different, and we work hard to come up with a customized solution that best helps you.”
The healing process typically starts with chiropractic spinal adjustments, which help re-align the spine and neck vertebrae that may have shifted or been damaged. Once the spine is properly aligned, Dr. Darr will decide the next course of action, which could include spinal decompression therapy, rehabilitative or corrective exercises, therapeutic massage or vibration therapy.
He offers nutrition therapy, which can assist people in choosing proper foods to help their bodies better heal.
Advanced Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center offers chiropractic care and a variety of wellness services in Westlake, Ohio, along with residents of Bay Village, Rocky River, North Olmsted and Fairview Park. For more visit http://advancedspinalrehabandwellnesscenter.com/ or call (440) 835-8484.