Nowadays, many people spend a significant amount of time every day on digital devices. Sometimes, this puts the neck at an awkward angle (usually bent forward), which can cause pain, referred to as tech neck. It is important to get this condition corrected before it leads to long-term pain and potential damage to the joints and discs. At Corrective Chiropractic in London, ON, our chiropractor provides natural methods for tech neck and other ailments to ensure that your body is healthy.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck is a painful condition that develops as a result of tilting the neck in the wrong position for too long when using digital devices, such as computers or smartphones. It strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. The damage causes a vertebral subluxation complex in the neck, or a loss of the normal curve in your neck, called hypo-lordosis. This condition causes various symptoms but can be treated if you seek help promptly. When left uncorrected for too long, tech neck can result in more complicated issues, such as herniated discs, degenerative joint disease, arthritis, tension headaches, and numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.
Symptoms of Tech Neck
Some of the most common signs of tech neck include:
- Headaches
- Reduced mobility
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Upper back pain
How to Prevent Tech Neck
It is possible to prevent tech neck by practicing the following:
Exercise
Regular exercises, such as stretches, will help improve the muscles’ flexibility and strength, preventing the neck from getting injured. Simple head rolls will aid in prevention as well.
Practice Proper Ergonomics
Practicing proper ergonomics goes a long way in making sure you maintain the correct posture to avoid hurting your neck. Use a seat with a headrest and keep the back of the head against it. This prevents you from looking down, which could stress your neck. Get that screen up! Looking straight ahead, with the screen at eye level, is the most important thing you can do!
Take Frequent Breaks
If you spend a lot of time using screens, take a 2-3-minute break after every 30 minutes. Frequent breaks are crucial, since they allow the neck and upper back muscles to relax, preventing neck pain. They also let you change positions and do stretches, reducing muscle stress.
Regular Chiropractic Care
Visiting our chiropractor will alleviate your current pain, address the underlying structural issues (subluxations), and help prevent future issues. Chiropractic care alleviates the symptoms that come along with the condition and treat it as well. Our chiropractor will examine your neck, assess the spine to identify any misalignment (through a very thorough x-ray analysis), and address it through safe and gentle techniques. This includes spinal adjustments to realign the neck and back. We will also give you exercises, like stretches, to improve your range of motion in your neck.
Visit Our Chiropractor in London, ON for Tech Neck Relief
If you work in an office or use digital devices for too long, you are at great risk of suffering from tech neck. At Corrective Chiropractic in London, ON, we treat this condition using all-natural chiropractic care methods. Our chiropractor will also advise you on what to do to prevent the same problem from developing in the future. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
