If you’re like most people, you probably spend hours every day looking down at a phone, laptop, or tablet. And, if you’re like most people, you may have noticed increased stiffness or soreness in your neck and shoulders as a result. This common condition, often called “tech neck,” is becoming more prevalent as the time we spend looking at screens continues to rise. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the symptoms of “tech neck,” as well as ways to help treat and prevent it.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck refers to the pain and tension that develop from repeatedly tilting your head forward while using electronic devices. Although your head weighs around 10 to 12 pounds in a neutral position, the strain on your neck increases dramatically as your head tilts forward. Over time, this extra stress can overload the muscles, joints, ligaments, and discs in your cervical spine. Common symptoms of tech neck include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder and upper back tension
- Frequent headaches
- Reduced range of motion
- Tingling or numbness that may extend down your arms
Without proper treatment, these symptoms can worsen and begin to affect your daily activities and overall comfort.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care can help relieve discomfort, improve mobility, and address the underlying issues causing your neck strain because it focuses on restoring proper movement and alignment of your spine. When the combination of poor posture and prolonged screen use creates joint restrictions and muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments can help improve your spinal function while reducing stress on the surrounding tissues.
In addition to gentle spinal adjustments, your chiropractor may recommend ways to improve your flexibility and muscle balance to help reduce strain on your neck and make it easier to maintain proper body positioning throughout the day.
Preventing Future Neck Strain
While regular chiropractic treatment can provide relief, preventing tech neck from happening also requires adjusting your habits. Position your computer monitor at eye level, hold your phone closer to your face (instead of bending your neck downward), and take short movement breaks throughout the day. Stretching and maintaining good posture can also significantly reduce stress on your neck and upper back.
Schedule Your Tech Neck Treatment Today
If neck pain has become a regular part of your day, chiropractic care can help relieve your symptoms while also addressing the postural habits that are adding to the problem. Contact Dr. Ward at Ward Chiropractic today and learn how chiropractic treatment can improve comfort, restore mobility, and help keep your spine healthy (despite today’s technology-driven lifestyle).