In our modern world, where technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, a new health concern has emerged: tech neck. As more and more people spend extended periods of time hunched over their digital devices, neck pain and discomfort have become all too common. At Simply Southern Chiropractic Center, we understand the toll that tech neck can take on your well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore what tech neck is, its impact on your health, and how chiropractic care can provide effective solutions.
Understanding tech neck
Tech neck refers to the strain and pain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back that results from prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. The constant forward head posture adopted while using these devices places excessive stress on the neck and upper back muscles, causing them to become tense and fatigued. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and postural imbalances.
How does tech neck impact your health?
Tech neck is not merely a fleeting discomfort; it can have significant consequences on your overall health and well-being. Some of the common symptoms associated with tech neck include:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Frequent headaches
- Reduced range of motion
- Poor posture
- Osteoarthritis
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Cervical nerve impingement
Prevention
To achieve a healthier sitting posture, it’s recommended to recline the chair about 25 to 30 degrees while ensuring proper lumbar support to discourage slouching. This position reduces the strain on both the spinal discs and neck, as well as relieves the need for constant contraction of the neck muscles to support the head. By reclining the chair, you are shifting weight onto the chair rather than the pressure settling on your back.
If reclining your chair is not an option while working on the computer, an effective alternative to combat tech neck is to incorporate regular standing periods into your work routine. By standing up, you alleviate the strain on your spine caused by prolonged sitting, offering relief and support to your back.
How can chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to treating tech neck and its associated symptoms with spinal manipulation catered to each patient’s needs. Our experienced chiropractors at Simply Southern Chiropractic Center can help you find relief through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, intersegmental traction therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and more!
Dr. Mary Frances Duncan
Flayton, Leigh. “Tips to Prevent ‘tech Neck’ and Other Pain from Technology Use.”
NewYork-Presbyterian, 5 June 2023,
healthmatters.nyp.org/how-to-prevent-tech-neck/.
Lambrou, Dr. Dimitrios. “11 Tips for Getting Rid of Tech Neck.” Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, 23 Sept. 2022,
www.northeastspineandsports.com/blog/11-tips-for-getting-rid-of-tech-neck-northeast-spine-and-sports-medicine/#:~:text=A%20chiropractor%20typically%20treats%20tech,slight%20pressure%20with%20their%20hands.
Wolf, Carly. “Standing Desk Ergonomics: 7 Benefits of Standing at Work.” Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, 8 Feb. 2021,
www.ohow.com/2021/02/08/standing-desk-ergonomics-7-benefits-of-standing-at-work/