That Pain in Your Neck

By Donna Kostiew

Are you one of those people who is constantly rubbing their neck while sitting at a desk or while driving? Do you find yourself twisting and rolling your neck, sometimes without even realizing you are doing it, at least not until you hear those popping sounds?

Chronic neck pain can be one of the most irritating pain issues to deal with and can disrupt your life on so many levels. Not only is it a pain itself, but it can also contribute to headaches, shoulder and back pain, and muscle tension. At The Joint Chiropractic, we have been treating patients who have these issues with great success, but there are some extra tips we would like to share to help alleviate some of the pain.

What Happened to Us?

Sedentary lifestyles have become the norm for most people because so much is done on computers and other electronic devices. If you aren’t one of those with a desk job, you most certainly are one of those with a cell phone or laptop. Sitting at a desk for long hours and using these devices has really done a number on our backs and necks. These unnatural postures can exacerbate any previous underlying conditions or can create issues you have never had before. So let’s start talking about those tips, the ergonomics for everyday life.

Seating – Be mindful of your posture while sitting and try to stop slouching! A poor posture puts pressure on the spine (in all the wrong places) which can then affect the neck. To help with that, make sure that your chair has a lumbar support.

Computer/Laptop - Keep your computer at eye level, so that your head is in a neutral position. If you find yourself looking at a computer that is too high or too low, you have lost that neutral position and that will potentially add stress to your neck, which will often lead to pain.

Cellphone/Office phone – If you are constantly on the phone, try getting a wireless Bluetooth headset so that you are not holding the phone between your ear and shoulder. This is one of the worst habits you could have because the lateral bending (or leaning) of the head not only affects the neck joints but is also very stressful on the spine muscles.

Getting regular adjustments from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic will help you maintain the correct posture and will help to correct any joint restrictions found in your spine and neck. And that pain in your neck? Well, we can’t do anything about your boss, your spouse, or your children, but we can take care of the physical pain.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.