Get rid of tech neck pain so it doesn’t become a “pain in the neck.”
We live in a technological society, which is beneficial in many ways. However, the extended amounts of time spent looking at a screen can be causing issues you may not have considered. Smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices can cause neck pain issues known as “tech neck.” Even being mindful of this can help get rid of tech neck pain.
Tech neck is pain that results from the strain placed on the neck when staring at a screen. The forward bend in the neck stresses neck muscles and disrupts spinal alignment. This can result in neck, shoulder, and even back pain.
Limiting screen time can help to reduce the strain on your neck significantly, but that isn’t always an option. Here are some easy ways to get rid of tech neck pain.
Easy Ways to Get Rid of Tech Neck Pain
Be Mindful of Your Posture
Paying attention to the way you sit, stand, and even lay in bed will help combat the strain on your neck. The more you bend your neck forward, the heavier your head becomes and the more stress you put on your muscles. Correcting your posture by even small degrees will keep your neck at a better angle for looking at your screen.
Visit a Chiropractor to Get Rid of Tech Neck Pain
Chiropractors specialize in spinal structure, which plays a crucial role in getting rid of issues like tech neck. We disrupt our spine’s natural alignment by staring down at a screen. A chiropractor will perform chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and restore the correct curve in the neck.
Raise Your Screens to Stop Tech Neck
We generally tend to have our screens lower than they should be. We hold our phones in our laps and keep our computers flat on our desks. The lower the screen is, the more our neck is bent. By raising the screen, we remove that forward bend in our neck.
- Place your computer on a riser, so it’s at eye level.
- Consider a sit-to-stand desk option.
- Hold your phone up higher to your face.
- Find something to rest your elbows on while texting.
- Try an adjustable tablet stand.
Whatever you can do to raise your screens will be a huge help in stopping you from tilting your head down.
Take Tech Breaks
The more we rely on technology, the more we need it for everything from jobs to school work to household planning. We set screen time limits the best we can, but especially for those who work on the computer, we can’t always just “shut it down” for an hour or two. That’s where tech breaks come into play.
Set a timer to remind you to take even a 5-minute tech break every so often throughout the day. It may not sound like much, but even a few minutes away from the screen can help immensely. The break will also help you refocus on your posture and make any needed adjustments when you sit back down to work.
Exercise and Stretch Your Neck
Exercising and stretching your neck are very helpful in getting rid of tech neck pain. Exercise strengthens the muscles needed to support the weight of your head, while stretching relieves tension and stiffness. If you find that your neck is really tight, you may even consider scheduling a session with a stretch therapist.
Smart devices aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so keeping these tips in mind for getting rid of tech neck will only become more useful as new technology comes out. We may have information right at our fingertips, but we don’t want reading it to be a pain.
Get Rid of Tech Neck Pain in Central Florida
At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we are passionate about helping people live life pain-free. If you have been dealing with neck pain due to tech neck, we are here for you. We are located in Oviedo, Fl, and have a dedicated team of chiropractors and therapists to assist you. Contact our office to ask how you can get rid of tech neck pain.
