Tech Neck Is a Pain

By Donna Stark

Have you been hovering over your children during the day as they complete their schoolwork from home? Do you then head to your laptop to finish your own work that needs to be turned in? If so, keep reading because those awkward positions you hold your body in and the way you hunch your shoulders and strain your neck to look down at your electronic devices can wreak havoc on your general well-being.

Tech Neck Is a Pain

Have you heard of tech neck? Tech neck is what happens when we don't pay attention to our posture when looking down at our phones, laptops, and tablets. It can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and headaches. It's something that can happen to any one and at any time, but fortunately, there are plenty of steps we can take to reduce the risk of it occurring. Take a look at a few of them below.

• Be mindful of your posture -You aren't doing your body any good by spending hours looking down at your phone and straining your neck forward during work. You need to be mindful of your posture throughout the day and try to correct it as soon as possible when you find yourself slipping into those awkward positions. 
• Design an ergonomic workspace - Designing a posture-friendly workspace will make a huge improvement in the way you feel. To start, get yourself an adjustable chair that offers good back support. Then, set your desk and computer at the appropriate height so you aren't straining your neck or eyes. Finally, invest in ergonomic computer equipment so your joints can catch a break.
• Take breaks - It's easy to get so caught up in your responsibilities that you completely forget to move throughout the day. It's important to take as many breaks as you can to get your blood pumping so stand up and stretch, take a walk while on the phone, or engage in a mini-workout session during lunch.
• Limit screen time - Whether you commit to a schedule you create yourself or you download an app to stay on track, it is important to limit the amount of screen time for everyone in the family. Doing so will help enforce those all-important breaks.

Keeping Everyone Safe

The suggestions above aren't just for adults, they work for children too! So, start implementing them today and keep the pain and discomfort out of your home. It's the best way to ensure a pain-free days for everyone!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.