When Technology Makes Your Head, Neck or Back Hurt
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us spend more time than we should on smartphones, laptops and tablets, but that becomes a bigger issue when a headache or neck and back pain join the party.
Harvard Health says looking down at a screen for a long period of time stretches muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck and upper back. According to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew White, "It's the posture and the amount of time in that posture that matters."
Dr. White says the pain is temporary, but uncomfortable, and “It can irritate the occipital nerve where the spine connects to the base of the skull, which can cause headaches.”
If this sort of neck or back pain is all too familiar, it may be time to find out how chiropractic can help.
The Chiropractic Wellness Path
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you provides doctors of chiropractic who are well equipped to help.
When you come in, your chiropractor will want to hear about your daily habits at work and at home, and health history. The focus will be on spinal health to improve overall health. The spine houses the central nervous system that controls brain-to-body communication for the body. When that system works well, everything else may work better too.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may provide far-reaching pain relief and an overall sense of relaxation with less stress.
Wellness is unique to the individual, but weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may go a long way to help you feel better as you concentrate on issues like posture and screen habits.
Lose the Digital Slouch
Wherever you are, be aware of your posture. If you are sitting at work, have an adjustable chair with good back support that encourages you to sit up straight. Keep your feet flat on the floor and pull your head back to center over your spine, instead of leaning forward.
If you are at home, flopped out on the couch or lounging on the floor with a laptop, tablet or phone, make sure your screens are at eye level. Hunching over screens for long periods of time can create headache, neck or back pain.
If you have elementary school kids, pre-teens or teens, watch what they are doing with their screens. Consider setting up a home workspace with a supportive chair and desk versus working on the floor, couch or bed.
When you are ready to intercept neck pain and headaches, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance. Weekend and evening hours make visits a breeze, and no appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Minn.
