There’s no question that contemporary life can be a pain in the neck. However, unlike generations past, modern-day technology produces literal pain in the form of tech neck.
It’s an unavoidable design flaw that tips heads forward, upsetting the natural balance of the head and neck. The result is often soft tissue strain from the effects of this awkward posture. As neck and shoulder pain specialists, we treat plenty of patients at Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation who know this painful downside of digital living.
There are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of tech neck, and we’ve gathered these here to help you avoid painful interruptions of your daily responsibilities.
People in the United States spend an average of about three hours and 22 minutes daily on smartphones. Problems arise when you consider the typical posture required when using powerful and portable digital devices like smartphones and tablets.
These share a trait that fundamentally works against human anatomy. When you think of sitting at a desktop computer and monitor combination, you’ll note that your head can be balanced over your spine to view a vertical monitor while your hands type on a horizontal surface.
Devices like smartphones and tablets have typing areas and viewing screens oriented on the same plane, requiring you to hold your phone up to eye level or to tip your head forward to view the screen as you engage the device.
The weight of your head, balanced over the spine when you’re seated or standing with neutral posture, is now supported by the soft tissue of the neck and shoulders. The tipping effect of the head-forward posture places force that’s several times heavier than the head onto muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Adjusting the way you use your devices can help your body adapt by relieving the strain on your musculoskeletal system. Consider these strategies to ease tech neck problems:
Pain from tech neck usually resolves itself with rest, provided you take a break from head-forward posture. Continuing to use your devices through tech neck pain can lead to chronic pain conditions.
Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation has six offices in the Penn Valley area. Call 215-836-8888 to book an appointment with our most convenient location or request an appointment online when the effects of tech neck fail to respond to rest and home care.
Your comfort is our priority. Schedule your visit with us today.
