Ways to Keep Your Neck Happy While You Work
By Sandy Schroeder
If you begin your workday in front of a computer screen, your shoulders and neck may automatically settle into a slumped turtle position the minute you sit down.
Over time, your shoulders may extend into a permanent slump that forces the neck to move beyond its normal range and tighten the chest, according to Michael Jonesco, chiropractor and sports medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
See Your Chiropractor
Fixing the problem before it becomes a painful injury could be as easy as seeing your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you.
Your chiropractor will work with you to evaluate your posture, helping you straighten up, and easing the tension in your neck and shoulders.
As you learn ways to protect your neck, a spinal adjustment may be used to correct any dysfunctions. This adjustment may relieve pain in your neck and shoulders. At the same time, you may experience new energy, more mental alertness, or better sleep. Others say their digestion, metabolism and stress levels improved.
As you experience the results, you may want to use weekly 15-minute adjustment sessions to keep the pace going. At the same time, your chiropractor may want to talk about your workspace, making sure you are using a chair with good back and leg support. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and the top of your monitor should be at eye level.
At the same time, your chiropractor may suggest doing healthy neck stretches, such as these from Prevention.com.
Deep Neck Stretch – Stand with feet apart. Reach hands behind back and grip left wrist with right hand. Gently pull left arm to right lower back. Slowly lower right ear toward shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on other side.
Range of Motion – Breathe in. As you exhale, turn head to look over right shoulder. Inhale and turn back. Exhale and turn head looking over left shoulder. Repeat three to four times to restore natural range of motion.
Tension Release Stretch – Stand with feet apart, knees bent. Hold light weight in right hand and tilt head to left toward shoulder. Hold 10 seconds. Repeat on other side.
For more ways to release tension, see the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. An affordable care program eliminates the need for insurance. Weekend and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.