The Worst Things You Can Do for Your Neck
By Sara Butler
There you are, cruising along through life without a care in the world and then it strikes – neck pain. You’re in a state of shock, worried, and are unsure what to do. So, you head to your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic only to discover that the source of your neck pain is, well, you. There are several bad habits you may be practicing daily that could land you in this situation. Here’s what they are and how you can avoid them!
Looking Down for Long Periods
It’s the age of technology, which means the average person has a buffet of handheld devices that connect them to the world. This accounts for a lot of time looking down at your phone, tablet, or computer screen over the course of a day – but those aren’t the only head down scenarios that are troublesome. Some people angle their head down as they drive, walk, or exercise, too. While it may not seem like it’s that bad to do, it puts a lot of pressure on the neck, and when a person spends hours in this posture it places undue stress and strain on the shoulders, neck, and upper back, leading to damage over time.
You can reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort from this downward posture by:
- Holding handheld devices higher
- Taking frequent breaks
- Setting up a more ergonomic workstation
Smoking
Another action that can lead to a host of problems involving your neck and back is smoking. If you smoke you’re probably aware of how bad it is for your lungs, heart, and vascular system, but did you also know it’s terrible for your spine?
According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking increases the risk of degenerative disc disease in the back and neck, probably due to the way nicotine restricts blood vessels and cuts off nutrients from the discs in the spine. Nicotine also dampens your body’s ability to repair cells, so the spinal discs cannot heal appropriately.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but rest assured it will always be worth it for your health and wellness.
Stomach Sleeping
You need sleep to rest and rejuvenate every day, but if you’re sleeping on your stomach you may be doing more harm than good. Sleeping on your stomach puts a lot of pressure on your neck, as it’s turned in an unnatural position each night for hours at a time. You should learn how to sleep either on your back or side in order to keep your spine healthy.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.