As we continue to progress into the digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, along with the benefits of convenience and efficiency, there has been an increase in health-related issues directly associated with the use of technology. One such health concern is neck aches and pains, often referred to as 'tech neck' or 'text neck'. This article explores the connection between technology use and neck discomfort, how it happens, and potential solutions for alleviating the associated pain.
Understanding Tech Neck
The term 'tech neck' or 'text neck' refers to a repetitive stress injury that occurs when individuals spend extended periods looking down at electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This prolonged posture leads to excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in stiffness, aches, and pains.
Impact of Technology on Posture
The human neck is designed to support the weight of the head, which typically weighs around 10-12 pounds when in a neutral position. However, for every inch that the head tilts forward, the pressure on the neck doubles. Therefore, constantly looking down at electronic devices can increase this pressure up to five times, causing the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and shoulders to work overtime.
Furthermore, sitting for extended periods while using these devices can lead to poor posture, often characterized by hunched shoulders and a forward head position. This can exacerbate the strain on the neck and upper back, leading to chronic discomfort and potential long-term health problems such as degenerative disc disease or permanent changes in the curvature of the spine.
Symptoms and Consequences
The symptoms of tech neck can vary but often include neck pain, stiffness, and soreness. Other symptoms can include headaches, shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the arms or hands. If left unchecked, these symptoms can progress into chronic issues, affecting one's quality of life and potentially leading to more serious conditions like herniated discs and nerve damage.
Prevention and Management
While the increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives makes it challenging to eliminate this problem entirely, several strategies can help manage and prevent tech neck:
Ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is set up ergonomically. The top of your screen should be at eye level, and your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle while typing. When using handheld devices, try to hold them at eye level as much as possible.
Posture Awareness: Regularly check in with your body to ensure you are maintaining good posture. Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head, encouraging your neck and back to straighten.
Regular Breaks: Every 20-30 minutes, take a break from your screen. Stand, stretch, and move around to release tension in your muscles and promote blood circulation.
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help strengthen the muscles in your neck and back, making them more resilient to strain. Yoga and Pilates, in particular, can be beneficial as they focus on core strength and flexibility.
Exercises and Physical Therapy: If you're already experiencing symptoms, consider seeking help from a physical therapist. They can provide exercises and treatments to relieve pain and correct postural issues.
As we continue to integrate technology into our daily lives, it's essential to be mindful of the potential health impacts. Neck aches and pains resulting from the overuse of technology are a growing concern. However, with awareness, prevention strategies, and timely management, it's possible to balance the use of technology with maintaining our physical health.
How We Treat Technology-Related Neck Aches and Pains
At our clinic, we specialize in treating neck pain caused by technology, known as text neck, by addressing its root cause through the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Using sophisticated diagnostic instruments, Blair practitioners work to realign displaced upper cervical vertebrae back to their natural position, thereby easing neck pain symptoms and reigniting the body's natural healing processes.
At our Blair Chiropractic Clinic, the esteemed Blair chiropractor, Dr. Gordon Elder, utilizes a two-tiered strategy for managing neck pain. During your initial visit, Dr. Elder will conduct an evaluation of your spinal health to assess if you have a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine. This preliminary assessment, usually lasting 25-30 minutes, will allow Dr. Elder to propose the most suitable course of action for your treatment.
Should a misalignment be identified, Dr. Elder will implement the second phase of your personalized treatment strategy. Using state-of-the-art 3-D imaging technology, he will evaluate the upper cervical spine to accurately locate the misalignment. You will have the chance to review the outcomes of this analysis and ask any questions you may have for Dr. Elder.
Next, Dr. Elder will administer a sequence of subtle, low-impact adjustments to the primary area of concern. The aim of this stage is to re-establish the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine, eliminating a painful source of neck pressure and jump-starting the body's inherent healing mechanisms.
Post the initial adjustment, patients are advised to return for regular, progressively spaced-out reviews to ascertain that their adjustment has remained intact over a 3-month period. Over the span of 3-5 months, most patients will have an average of 10 to 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If neck pain caused by technology is compromising your quality of life, we urge you to contact us for an appointment. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, based in Lubbock, Texas, also caters to patients in Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.