Your Neck Pain Could be Something called ‘Tech Neck’

Yes, this is actually a condition that has become increasingly more common after extended periods of time on the computer, cell phone, and tablets.

So, what exactly is tech neck?

Tech neck is when the muscles in your neck work too hard when you are looking down at a device and when you are slouched over a keyboard and staring into a computer screen. This particular term is related to the pain that is experienced when the neck muscles become overworked and sore from this constant bending motion.

Have you ever spent an extended period of time working on the computer or from your phone and you’ve had the sudden urge to stand up tall, push your shoulders back and massage your own neck? The tightness, soreness and dull ache have begun to set in. This need to align your neck and upper back is due to the strain your body is experiencing.

The good news is, Chiropractic can help you to alleviate the discomfort caused by tech neck.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractors specializes in the structure of your spine and neck, which means they are skilled in handling all of your musculoskeletal concerns. Once we have completed an assessment, an individualized treatment plan will be initiated that will include some stretches, light exercise and non-invasive adjustments. The goal is to work your spine and neck back into alignment to alleviate the stress and pain. The adjustments should increase your range of motion, and all of that stiffness will allow for more comfortable periods of work and school.

Here are a few ways you can prevent tech neck: 

  • Invest in a new ergonomically-correct office chair and desk. While phones are the ultimate culprit for tech neck, sitting at a desk where your screen is too low or in an ergonomically-incorrect position can have a similar effect.
  • Get a chair with a headrest. Chairs with headrests will help you maintain proper posture and prevent tech neck. This will help hold the back of your head up and in proper position during the day.
  • Raise and position your phone screen higher. This will prevent you from bending your neck and sloping your head forward.
  • Get Up and Move. If you work at a desk job where you need to sit and stare at a screen all day—one of the best things you can do is to get up and start walking around. This will help get your blood circulating and help give your neck a break. 
  • Exercise. Make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to help strengthen and loosen up those muscles in the neck and upper back. The more active you can be, the better.

Prevention is The Key

Just like most other ailments that you will experience in relation to your musculoskeletal system in your lifetime, using preventative measures will always be a better option. Some treatments can take weeks or months of consistent effort to find relief, but preventing them in the first place should be the priority. 

Lastly, If you have recently begun to work from home more, if you have returned to school, or are spending increasingly more time on your electronic devices – it’s a good idea to consult with us for some advice on prevention.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic

There are plenty of people who have heard of Chiropractic but aren’t sure exactly what a chiropractor does. Still others might know some common myths about Chiropractic, but don’t have a first-hand experience.

It’s time to break down some of those questions and set the record straight. Here, you’ll find a gathering of the questions that Chiropractors get most often from prospective patients.

Is a Chiropractor only for when you’re in pain?

Chiropractors are indeed trained to address a wide range of pain-related symptoms. The most common include:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Sciatica
  • Headaches

We are also a great professional to consult if you’ve had a slip and fall or an accident. You are welcome to visit us whether you’re experiencing discomfort or already feeling pretty good, but want to know if there is more we can do for you.

Does a chiropractor really crack your bones?

Plenty of people get a little concerned about hearing an audible noise when they get adjusted. It’s not your bones cracking, so have no fear!

Some techniques cause a joint to move enough that you will hear a ‘pop.’ This noise is actually gas moving through a joint when a force is applied. The level of force will vary depending on your adjustment and the area of the body being adjusted. Other adjusting techniques will also cause a joint to move without producing a ‘pop’ – it all depends on the Chiropractic technique used.

How are you going to adjust me?

There are dozens and dozens of various Chiropractic techniques. Any of these techniques will be applied based on your particular situation. Your age, pain level and diagnosis will all be taken into consideration when we adjust you.

And your personal preferences certainly matter, too – if you want to be adjusted in a certain way, bring this up so we can discuss it further with you.

Will it hurt to get adjusted? 

Putting you through more pain is the last thing we want to do! While people seek out Chiropractic because they’re currently experiencing discomfort, and the goal is never to worsen that pain.

Know that if a particular area of your body is inflamed, there may be a slight sensation of discomfort when that area is adjusted. We will let you know what we’ll do beforehand and advise you on after-care in case of soreness, such as applying ice to the area. 

Hope you enjoyed these FAQ’s. If you have any other questions, please let us know.