You May Be Setting Yourself Up for Neck Pain
By Sandy Schroeder
When you have a lot to do at work, it's easy to ignore posture basics and the position of your head. If you are leaning forward peering at your computer or cocking your head to one side on the phone, you may be setting yourself up for neck pain. The neck has to support your head, which weighs about 10 pounds, and keep it balanced directly over your spine.
Keep Your Neck Happy
Harvard Health offers these suggestions to keep your neck happy.
As you work at your desk or on your computer - Sit up straight with your head centered over your spine. Use a chair that can be contoured to you and make sure your feet are on the ground and your lower back is supported. Line up your monitor to keep material at eye level. If you are using a laptop, notebook or tablet, you could use a larger monitor and a separate keyboard to make the positioning work. Take five-minute breaks every hour, stretch, walk around and roll your shoulders to loosen them.
When you are on the phone - Try not to lean your head to one side or the other. Use earbuds, headsets or speakerphones for hands-free conversations to keep your head centered over your spine.
When you are reading - Keep the book up to avoid leaning forward or down to see it. If you read in bed, sit up and use a wedge pillow. Wherever you read, be aware of the position of your neck and avoid hunching over the book or other documents.
Count on Chiropractic for Support
In spite of your best efforts, you may wake up with a stiff neck or repeatedly have a sore neck at the end of the day. If you do, The Joint Chiropractic clinic in your community has natural, drug-free solutions. The Joint Chiropractic doctors of chiropractic provide a wellness center that works for people of all sizes, shapes and ages.
Your chiropractor will explain how improving spinal health can help you help your neck. A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may generate far-reaching pain relief and an overall sense of well-being. You may feel like you turned a page as you sleep better, think more clearly or enjoy new energy. Benefits are unique to each person.
You may find weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may be the best way to keep your neck happy.
Stop in when you are ready to get started. No appointments are needed and clinics are open weekends and evenings. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lexington, S.C.