What is it?
The iHunch refers to a result of our modern world, with smart phones, computers and an increasing tendency to crane the neck over a device for long periods. This increases the relative load on neck and upper back, beyond what would be considered normal.
What causes it?
On average, people check their smartphones every 12 minutes. Bending forward requires the muscles down the back of the neck (especially the upper trapezius) to work several times harder than when the head is upright. It’s like holding a heavy pack or suitcase on your head.
Recent indications are that the iHunch is now the biggest upper spinal problem in the modern world. Statistically, one in every six people reading this will have acute pain in their upper back or neck, or headaches coming from the neck – right now.
What is the damage caused?
Unsurprisingly, the muscles will often strain. The body’s repair of torn muscle cells involves scarring (adhesive fibrosis) – which is non-elastic. That’s why the Backpod® programme includes simple home massage – to break up tethering scaring fibres and so restore the muscle to its normal healthy flexibility.
What can I do to treat it?
What you can do is treat and look after your spine so it’ll handle lots of hunching, over phones or computers or anything else. That’s what the Backpod® and its home program of stretching, strengthening, massage and posture are for.
Who can benefit from the Backpod®?
It’s specifically designed for all groups and medical conditions with problems from bending forward. So it’s for all tech users, and especially for;
- laptop users
- tablet users
- smartphone users
- dentists
- chefs
- surgeons
- bank tellers
- gamers
- hairdressers
- builders
- nursing mothers
- drivers
- doctors
- anyone with ankylosing spondylitis,
- scheuermann’s disease (scheuermann’s osteochondritis)
- nurses
- cyclists
- seamstresses
- jewellers
- slouching adolescents – and anyone else who’s getting sore and hunched neck/upper back
Additional Reading
For much more patient and treatment information including videos see the iHUNCH page on the Backpod’s parent New Zealand website: https://www.