Neck Pain?-4 simple solutions that work

If you’re reading this on your smartphone or laptop, we apologize in advance for adding to your tech neck. But, read on, because we have some great solutions.

Here at our practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we’re seeing more and more patients complaining of neck pain, and it’s no wonder. On average, the American adult spends over 10-1/2 hours staring at a screen every day, and that number continues to rise.

If this statistic surprises you, think about your average day and how much time you spend in front of a computer, looking at your phone, or binge watching your favorite show in the evening — they add up quickly.

The cumulative effect on your neck, however, should come as no surprise. Your spine is designed for movement and the hunched shoulders and sedentary positions that are part and parcel of screen staring aren’t doing your spine any favors.

To combat tech neck, we’ve pulled together four tools to help you prevent the discomfort and pain that those screens are causing.

1. Work it out

If there’s no way around spending hours in front of a screen, take a break every hour (or, better yet, half hour) throughout the day to stretch your neck. Simple exercises that tackle the full range of motion can stretch your muscles and tendons and relieve the tension.

Start by tucking your chin and holding it for a few seconds. Rotate your head from side to side, looking over each shoulder. Stretch your neck backward and take a good look at the ceiling. Finally, lower your ear to your shoulder to stretch the opposite side of your neck.

2. Move it up

Take a look at the monitor on your desk. You may want to tilt it up or raise it a few inches. This simple fix can have a huge impact on your neck.

Also, we know it’s called a laptop, but try and move your computer up to eye level wherever you are, even in the coffee shop. Grab your computer bag and pop it underneath your laptop — every little bit helps. There are also a number of tablet holders on the market that are a wise investment.

When it comes to your phone, consider it part of your upper body conditioning to raise your hand to eye level rather than looking down. It might even save you from running into something — or someone — as you text and walk.

3.  A deal with the devil

While your phone and computers may cause your tech neck, they can also be used to combat the problem. For example, set a timer on your phone to alert you when you need to take a break and look up.

There are also plenty of great apps that tackle neck health, such as My Neck, as well as apps that help you raise your phone up by providing a green light when your phone is at the proper height. Depending on your device, check out what’s available in your app store.

4. Get help

While screen time may be unavoidable, take the time to reset and adjust your spine to help take the pressure off your soft tissue and nerves. Regular chiropractic visits do wonders for your tech neck by correcting the misalignments in your spine and unblocking the natural flow in your body.

When your neck is in pain, it means there’s likely some inflammation in the area. When we realign your spine, it allows your body’s natural healing resources to tackle the inflammation more efficiently.

Now, it’s almost time for you to look away from your screen. If you’d like more information on tech neck solutions, call us at 719-600-1926 or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

There is help for your neck pain