screens can harm

How screens can harm your neck and back

In today’s digital world many people spend hours looking down at their phones working on computers or watching videos.

While screens are now an important part of daily life spending too much time in the wrong position can put extra pressure on the neck shoulders and back. This can lead to more than tired eyes. Sitting with your head bent forward for long periods may cause neck pain, stiffness muscle tension and back problems.

Why does looking down cause pain?

An adult’s head weighs around 10 to 12 pounds. When you bend your head forward for a long time the muscles in your neck and upper back have to work harder to support it. Over time this extra pressure can cause pain stiffness and muscle fatigue.

Poor sitting posture can also affect your movement and balance and may contribute to headaches.  People who spend many hours at a desk attend online meetings or frequently use laptops and phones may be more likely to experience these problems.

Common warning signs

Some common symptoms include.

•Neck and shoulder stiffness

•Tired or sore muscles

•Frequent headaches

•Ongoing neck or back pain

•Pain spreading into the arms

•Numbness or a pins and needles feeling

•Weakness in the hands or arms

If these symptoms continue or become worse it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Keep your screen at eye level

When working on a laptop try to keep the screen close to eye level.  This can reduce the need to bend your neck downward.

A laptop stand along with a separate keyboard and mouse can make this easier. The same idea applies to smartphones. Instead of constantly looking down hold your phone closer to eye level to reduce strain on your neck.

Improve your sitting posture

Try to sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed and slightly back. Avoid pushing your head forward while using a phone or computer.

Small changes in posture can make a big difference when you spend many hours in front of a screen.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

For screen users the 20-20-20 rule can be helpful every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

This mainly helps reduce eye strain and also gives you a short break from your usual sitting position.

Keep your body moving

Avoid staying in the same position for hours. Stand up walk around and stretch regularly.

Regular exercise and activities such as yoga can also help improve flexibility strength and overall body movement.

Don’t ignore persistent pain

Technology is difficult to avoid in modern life but using it in a healthier way can help reduce unnecessary strain on your neck and back.

If pain keeps returning becomes severe or is accompanied by numbness or weakness do not simply ignore it.  Consider getting checked by a qualified healthcare professional.

Similar Posts

  • Why are young bodybuilders dying so early

    Brazilian bodybuilder and fitness influencer Melson Araujo recently shared a gym photo showing his impressive physique. Just a few hours later the 35 year old reportedly became ill at home and died suddenly. The exact cause of his death has not been officially confirmed. However his passing has added to growing concerns about the number of young bodybuilders who have died unexpectedly in recent years. Earlier this year 22 year old Brazilian bodybuilder Gabriel Ganley also died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest. In 2024, two other Brazilian bodybuilders in their 30s and 40s also died from heart related problems including one who collapsed during a competition. Similar cases have been reported around the world. American bodybuilder Dallas McCarver died in 2017 at the age of 26, while German fitness influencer Jo Lindner passed away in 2023 at the age of 30. These deaths have raised an important question. why are some people who appear extremely fit and healthy dying at a young age? A 2025 study published in the European Heart Journal examined nearly 20,000 amateur and professional bodybuilders who competed between 2005 and 2020. Researchers found that professional bodybuilders were more than five times more likely to die from sudden cardiac arrest than amateur competitors. The study recorded 121 deaths including 46 caused by sudden cardiac arrest. The average age at death was 45 years but for active competitors it was only 34.7 years. Researchers believe several factors may increase the risk, including the use of performance enhancing drugs rapid weight loss before competitions and extremely intense strength training. Another 2025 study from Denmark published in the journal Circulation followed 1,189 men who used anabolic steroids and compared them with nearly 60,000 men over 11 years. The researchers found that steroid users had a nine times higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy a disease that weakens the heart muscle. They also had about three times the risk of heart attack and heart failure. Experts say anabolic steroids may also raise blood pressure speed up the build up of plaque in the arteries and change the structure of the heart. Autopsy reports from several bodybuilders have shown that many had enlarged hearts and thicker heart walls especially in the left ventricle. These changes can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems and heart failure. One of the best known cases was Dallas McCarver, whose heart weighed 833 grams more than twice the normal weight of an adult male heart. A 2022 review also found that many American bodybuilders had hearts that were much larger and thicker than normal. In some cases even athletes in their 20s showed enlarged hearts thickened heart muscles, and serious coronary artery disease.

  • Why our brain repeats old choices

    Have you ever noticed that many people eat the same food for breakfast every day?  Even when they have many other options they often stick to what they already know. Scientists have been trying to understand why people repeat the same choices again and again.  A new study from TU Dresden University in Germany may have found the answer. Researchers analyzed data from more than 700 people from earlier studies.  They found that our past choices strongly influence the decisions we make later. According to the researchers when we choose something repeatedly it slowly becomes a habit.  Once it becomes familiar our brain tends to choose it again even when a better option is available. This habit of repeating past choices can affect many parts of daily life including shopping eating habits and everyday routines. The study suggests that many of our decisions are not completely new. Instead our brain often relies on what worked for us before and simply repeats the same choice.

  • Migraine warning signs and treatment options

    Migraine is a serious neurological condition that is often described as a severe headache affecting one side of the head. The pain can begin suddenly and become so intense that it is difficult to work, study or carry out daily activities. Doctors say the pain usually starts on one side of the head and may spread behind one eye or to the other side. During a migraine attack bright lights loud noises and strong smells can make the pain worse. Many people prefer to rest in a quiet dark room until the attack passes. Migraine is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea the feeling of vomiting tiredness and weakness. Experts explain that migraines are linked to unusual brain sensitivity.  If migraine attacks happen often or start affecting your daily life you should see a doctor instead of ignoring them. People with chronic migraine may experience attacks on many days each month. Research suggests that about 15% of people worldwide have migraines and around one in two people experience severe headaches at some point in their lives. Common migraine triggers include stress poor eyesight bright lights loud noise smoke strong perfumes lack of sleep, dehydration skipping meals too much caffeine hormonal changes and eating large amounts of sugary or ultra processed foods. Doctors say medicines made specifically for migraines are usually more effective because they target certain serotonin receptors in the brain to help reduce pain. These medicines should only be taken under a doctor’s advice. Common painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin may provide temporary relief but they do not treat chronic migraine. Symptoms like nausea sensitivity to light tiredness and weakness may continue. If migraines keep coming back it is important to get a proper medical evaluation and the right treatment instead of relying on self-medication.

  • Online Harassment and Cybercrime in Pakistan: High Court Strengthens Protection of Digital Rights

    By Syeda Shehar Bano Bukhari Introduction: The rapid growth of social media and digital communication has transformed how people interact, work, and share information. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and other online services have become an important part of everyday life. However, the expansion of digital spaces has also created new forms of crime, including cyber harassment, online blackmail, identity theft, unauthorized sharing of private information, and the misuse of digital content. In Pakistan, cybercrime has become an increasingly important legal issue. Courts are now required to balance the protection of individuals from online abuse with fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and privacy. Recent judicial rulings have highlighted the need for effective investigation, proper use of digital evidence, and protection of victims of online harassment. Background of the Legal Issue: Online harassment can take many forms. It may involve sending threatening messages, repeatedly contacting a person against their wishes, creating fake social media accounts, spreading private photographs, or publishing false information to damage someone’s reputation.  Women are particularly vulnerable to certain forms of online harassment. In some cases, social media platforms are used to threaten women with the publication of private photographs or videos. Such conduct can cause serious psychological distress and may affect a person’s family relationships, education, employment, and social reputation. The problem becomes more complicated when victims hesitate to report such incidents because of social pressure or fear of further harassment. As a result, many cases of online abuse may remain unreported. Role of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act: Pakistan’s main legal framework for dealing with cybercrime is the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). The law provides criminal penalties for several forms of unlawful activity carried out through information technology and electronic communication. The law covers offences relating to unauthorized access, interference with information systems, cyberstalking, harassment, identity-related offences, and the misuse of electronic information. Under the legal framework, victims of cyber harassment can approach the relevant authorities and provide evidence such as screenshots, messages, emails, social media links, recordings, and other digital material. Such evidence may assist investigators in identifying the accused and establishing the circumstances of the alleged offence. Importance of Digital Evidence: One of the most important aspects of cybercrime cases is the collection and preservation of digital evidence. Unlike traditional crimes, online offences often leave electronic traces. For example, if an individual repeatedly threatens another person through WhatsApp messages, the victim may preserve screenshots, message records, telephone numbers, and other relevant information. Similarly, if a fake social media account is created to impersonate someone, the account link and associated digital information may become important evidence. However, digital evidence must be properly collected and authenticated. Courts must ensure that evidence presented before them is reliable and has not been manipulated by the offenders in connivance with the authorities. This makes forensic investigation an important part of modern criminal justice. Freedom of Expression and Online Abuse: The regulation of online content also raises questions concerning freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, provided by the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, but it is not unlimited and is also restricted. The law may impose reasonable restrictions in certain circumstances, including where speech involves threats, harassment, incitement to violence, or other unlawful conduct. The challenge for courts and law-enforcement authorities is to distinguish between legitimate criticism and unlawful online abuse. For example, a person criticizing a public official’s policies may be exercising freedom of expression. However, repeatedly threatening that official with violence or publishing private information with the intention of causing harm may cross the boundary between protected expression and unlawful conduct. Therefore, effective cybercrime laws must protect both individual safety and legitimate freedom of expression. A Real-Life Example: Consider a situation in which a woman receives repeated threatening messages from an unknown social media account. The person behind the account threatens to publish her private photographs unless she follows certain demands. Such conduct may create fear and psychological pressure. The victim can preserve the messages, take screenshots, record relevant account information, and report the matter to the appropriate authorities. The case demonstrates why awareness of digital rights and legal remedies is important. Victims should know that online harassment is not simply a personal disagreement; depending on the circumstances, it may constitute a criminal offence. Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations: Despite the existence of cybercrime laws, several challenges can affect the investigation and prosecution of online offences. First, offenders may use fake identities or anonymous accounts. Second, digital evidence can be deleted or altered quickly. Third, cybercrime investigations often require specialized technical expertise.  Another challenge is the international nature of the internet. An offender may operate from another country while targeting a victim in Pakistan. In such circumstances, obtaining evidence and identifying the person responsible may require international cooperation. These challenges demonstrate the need for trained investigators, modern forensic laboratories, effective cooperation between institutions, and public awareness. Protection of Victims: Victim protection is an important part of the response to cybercrime. Victims of online harassment may experience anxiety, fear, depression, and social pressure. In cases involving private images or blackmail, the psychological consequences can be particularly severe and damaging. Legal institutions should therefore ensure that victims can report complaints safely and confidentially. Investigations should be conducted professionally, and unnecessary exposure of victims’ private information should be avoided. The justice system should also recognize that victims of cyber harassment may require psychological and social support in addition to legal remedies. Broader Legal Significance: The increasing number of cybercrime cases demonstrates that traditional concepts of criminal law must adapt to technological developments. Crimes committed through digital platforms can cause real-world harm, even when the offender and victim never meet physically. The legal system must therefore develop effective methods for dealing with electronic evidence, online anonymity, cross-border offences, and rapidly changing technology. At the same time, laws should be applied carefully so that legitimate criticism, journalism, and freedom of expression are not unnecessarily restricted. A balanced legal approach is necessary to

  • |

    AI could replace millions of jobs, warns “Godfather of AI”

    Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is often said to have the potential to eliminate a large number of jobs. According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, AI could affect almost every profession and may lead to shorter working hours. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes that, gradually, humans may become unnecessary for many tasks. Elon Musk has predicted that within the next two decades, most people may no longer need to go to work. Computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton is widely known as the “Godfather of AI.” He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024 for his work on artificial intelligence. Geoffrey Hinton who is associated with the University of Toronto in Canada has warned about the potential negative impact of AI on employment. Speaking at Georgetown University, he said he believes AI could lead to widespread unemployment with millions of people potentially losing their jobs. He explained that companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure including data centers and chips to improve automation. According to Hinton, companies will seek returns on these investments by selling AI systems capable of performing tasks currently carried out by human workers at a lower cost. He said that the desire for greater profits could ultimately lead AI tools to replace human employees. However, Hinton acknowledged that AI technology would also create new employment opportunities. Nevertheless, he believes the number of new jobs may not be sufficient to replace all the jobs that could be lost. He also admitted that it is extremely difficult to predict the long-term effects of AI technology. Hinton has previously issued warnings about the risks associated with AI. At one point, he estimated that there was a 10% to 20% chance that AI could eventually contribute to the destruction of humanity. He stressed that it is important to discuss the potential dangers of AI. Hinton acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding AI can be troubling because no one knows exactly what the future holds. He said that if someone asks what AI technology will look like in the next 10 years, no one can accurately predict it. Earlier, in an August 2025 podcast appearance, Hinton said that AI is learning things in ways that humans do not fully understand and that there may be no reliable way to simply switch it off. Hinton’s research helped lay the foundations of machine learning, the technology that enables computers to replicate aspects of human intelligence. However, in recent years, he has been campaigning for AI to be developed and used safely. In 2023, Hinton left his position at Google saying that bad actors could potentially use the technology to harm other people. In a recent interview, when asked about the pace of AI development, he said that most experts in the field currently believe that eventually possibly within the next 20 years, humans could develop AI systems that are more intelligent than humans. He described this as a frightening prospect, comparing current AI technology to a three-year-old child, while noting that children grow up very quickly. According to Hinton, the impact of AI on the world could be similar to that of the Industrial Revolution. He explained that the Industrial Revolution effectively halted the need for humans to develop greater physical strength because people began relying on increasingly powerful machines. He believes humanity is now doing something similar with human intelligence potentially creating technology that could surpass human intellectual capabilities. When asked what life might look like 10 or 20 years from now, Hinton said that it would largely depend on how political systems respond to and manage the technology. In his view, AI could have remarkable benefits in the medical field and could improve the efficiency of almost every industry. However, he stressed that society needs to be much more cautious about the rapid development of AI technology.

  • Treasure hunt at Mayo landa in old Lahore

    Behind the 19th-century Victorian red-brick arches of Mayo Hospital exists one of Lahore’s most vibrant bazaars: Mayo Landa. First-time visitors might expect a simple fleece and jacket bazaar through the narrow lanes behind Mayo Hospital. However, it reveals something far richer. Mayo Landa has transformed into a bustling open-air ecosystem where global fashion, imported household goods, rare oddities, and genuine historic antiques intersect at prices that defy modern inflation. The word landa originates from the Punjabi term for roofless or uncovered. It usually refers to the early informal stalls that traders set up along open alleys without permanent shopfronts. The origins of Lahore’s landa market trace back to the pre-partition British colonial era. It is located strategically between the Lahore Railway Station and bustling medical hub of Mayo Hospital (established in 1871). The area naturally became a high-traffic junction for travelers, laborers, and rural migrants. Vendors began setting up wooden crates and blankets to sell low-cost textiles and goods to working-class families who could not afford stuff otherwise. Following the partition in 1947, the market expanded rapidly to accommodate millions of resettling families seeking affordable essentials. Over the decades, small family-run stalls grew into an organized nationwide wholesale network. Today, Mayo Landa operates as a major locality for imported pre-owned items. These are sourced globally from North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. While everyday apparel from heavy winter coats to designer sneakers remains a staple, the modern Mayo Landa experience goes far beyond clothing. Collectors regularly scour the market for genuine heavy-leather jackets, vintage denim, and retro sports gear that would cost hundreds of dollars internationally. Stalls feature everything from Japanese porcelain and European glassware to high-end kitchenware and functional electronics. Antique items are hidden within subtle corner stalls and old storerooms. Victorian brass lamps, mid-century mechanical clocks, classic cameras, old vinyl records, and hand-carved wooden artifacts. Prices are mostly negotiated through traditional haggling. Shoppers can frequently pick up valuable, high-grade collectibles at a fraction of their market value. What makes the backside of Mayo Hospital particularly captivating is its extraordinary cultural overlap and unique spatial atmosphere. Mayo landa alleyways & antique stalls. There roaming doctors & med students in scrubs. Then NCA art students searching for props across the area. Amongst, pashtun traders sorting bales. Hidden under the shade of century-old banyan trees behind the hospital compounds are secretive, multi-room vintage stores disguised as crumbling brick structures. Step inside, and you might find an operational 1920s gramophone playing vintage orchestra records right next to a pile of modern winter coats. Mayo Landa is more than just a flea market to the frequent visitors. It is a living archive of economic resilience, sustainable reuse, and cultural heritage. In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass-produced plastic, this historic corner of Old Lahore offers something rare. It’s the thrill of real discovery backed by over a century of history.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *