A new study has shed light on the impact of texting on the joints in your neck. A surgeon in the US used a computer simulation to measure the increased weight forces of the head on the neck as it bends further forward. The results were pretty dramatic. Here are a few choice quotes from the article:

“As the head tilts forward the forces seen by the neck surges to 27 pounds (12.2 kilograms) at 15 degrees, 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms) at 30 degrees, 49 pounds (22.22 kilograms) at 45 degrees and 60 pounds (27.2 kilograms) at 60 degrees”

Sixty pounds (27.2 kilograms) is roughly the weight of four adult-sized bowling balls. Or six plastic grocery bags worth of food. Or an 8-year-old child.

“These stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration, and possibly surgeries.”

“it’s certainly eyebrow-raising to learn that looking at Twitter in the supermarket checkout line is the equivalent of giving an aardvark a piggy-back ride.”

To read the full article, click here.