Managing Neck Pain in the 21st Century
By Sara Butler
One-hundred years ago, people didn’t have to deal with some of the things dealt with now. Sure, they probably had a higher chance of contracting diphtheria, but text neck? No way! In so many ways technology makes the world an easier place to navigate, but it’s very hard on the body. People use technology so much (you’re on the computer right now -- or your phone or tablet!) that it is starting to have a negative impact on health and wellness. In fact, text neck has become one of the new health buzzwords to describe the pain and discomfort caused by looking down at your handheld device. If you think you may have text neck, here’s how you can help yourself!
Get a Diagnosis
The most common symptoms of text neck include:
- Pain in the neck or upper back when using a handheld device
- Sharp or nagging pain in the shoulders or neck at the end of the day
- Generalized shoulder tightness or pain
- Constant or intermittent headaches that get worse when looking down
If you have any of these symptoms, then you need to see a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. A diagnosis can help you to get started on a plan to treat it and hopefully free yourself from some of the negative side effects technology brings with it.
Help Yourself
After you begin working with a chiropractor to help you get healthy again, it’s important to break some bad habits and replace them with better ones. You should:
- Raise the phone up - Make sure to hold your phone or tablet at or near eye level so you can avoid tilting your head down to look.
- Take breaks frequently - Sometimes the best choice is to put it down and walk away. At least once an hour you should take a break from your device, stretch, and move around. This will help your posture to be better.
- Practice good posture - When you’re standing, make sure to pull back your shoulders. You don’t want to lean forward or back but maintain a nice, neutral body position.
- Stretch - Keep your neck flexible by arching it back periodically. Regular stretches help to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Meet the challenges of technology head-on by staying informed and staying on top of your spinal health with the help of the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.