Are You Sticking Your Neck Out Risking Pain?
By Sandy Schroeder
When everyone you know is peering at electronic screens most of the time, neck pain is not a complete surprise, but there are ways to avoid the consequences. Harvard Health suggests three simple steps.
- Keep all of your screens at eye level
- Straighten up from that digital slouch
- Learn some new neck strengthening exercises
What Can Happen
In spite of all of the warnings about sitting, many of us sit all day in front of computers at work, and then sink into a comfy couch at night with our smartphone, book, laptop, magazine or favorite TV program. Neck pain often shows up because the neck and shoulders are locked into one position for long periods of time, according to Dr. Clare Safran-Norton.
Continually looking down pulls the neck forward, impacting muscles in the neck, shoulder and shoulder blade. Over time these muscles can stretch too far, becoming tired and weak, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain.
Turning Everything Around
Seeing your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic is a good first step to assess any neck or shoulder pain that you are having. The Joint doctors of chiropractic help everyone from teens to seniors deal with neck and shoulder issues on a daily basis. Your chiropractor’s focus will be on your spinal health, using a gentle targeted spinal adjustment that may achieve pain relief and an overall sense of well-being.
Often individuals choose weekly 15-minute adjustments to stay at the new peak. At the same time, your chiropractor can help you work on preventing future neck pain by implementing simple fixes such as these from Harvard Health.
Making Everything Work Better
Take these steps to avoid straining the neck and shoulders.
Avoid hunching - Elevate laptops and tablets using a lap pillow.
Raise computer monitors to eye level – Create a solid stack of books or use a device that raises or lowers computers. This could also give you the option of standing part of the time.
Arm yourself with support - Use chair armrests or pillows to support arms, taking the pressure off of the shoulders and the neck.
Do a posture check - Line up your neck and spine and pull the shoulders back to eliminate the digital slouch.
Exercise your neck – With your chiropractor and doctor’s approval and guidance, learn to stretch and strengthen your neck.
When you are ready, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to find out about the affordable personalized care plans that require no insurance, convenient weekend and evening hours, and walk-in visits. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.