It’s hard to deny that screens dominate a large portion of our lives. And with this technology, neck pain has become a frequent complaint among people of all ages.
Whether it’s hours spent hunched over a laptop, scrolling through a phone, or binge-watching your favorite shows, modern lifestyle habits are wreaking havoc on our posture and, consequently, our neck health. If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, there’s a good chance your posture might be to blame. So, let’s find out if your neck pain is due to poor posture. How can you tell? What else should you know?
Signs Your Neck Pain is Due to Poor Posture
For every inch your head protrudes forward, this places an additional 10 pounds of stress on your neck (yikes!). The longer we sit in this hunched position, the worse our neck and shoulder aches and pains will get. So, how can you tell that your poor posture is causing your neck pain? Here are the top signs.
1. Persistent Pain and Stiffness
If you notice a continuous ache or stiffness in your neck that seems to worsen by the end of the day, it could be a sign of strain caused by poor posture. This is especially true if you sit in front of a computer all day (or at a desk all day).
2. Pain That Improves with Movement
Notice if your neck pain lessens when you change positions or get up and move around. This could indicate that static, poor posture is contributing to your discomfort.
3. Frequent Headaches
Poor posture can lead to tension headaches due to the strain on the muscles at the back of your neck. Those headaches you keep getting? It could be due to how you’re sitting during your day!
4. Increased Pain When Performing Certain Activities
Activities that involve looking down or leaning forward for extended periods, like using a smartphone or laptop, are likely to exacerbate your pain.
5. Shoulder and Upper Back Pain
Bad posture doesn’t only affect your neck; it can also lead to pain in your shoulders and upper back. If you notice shoulder and upper back pain after sitting alongside your neck pain, well, it’s probably due to poor posture!
How to Improve Your Posture and Alleviate Neck Pain
Luckily, there are many ways to fix poor posture and get back on track, leaving pain in your past. Here are some tips.
- Be Mindful of Your Screen Time: Adjust your screen to eye level, whether you’re working on a computer or using a smartphone, to avoid straining your neck.
- Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your day to stretch and walk around, especially if you have a desk job.
- Strengthen and Stretch: Engage in exercises that strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles and stretch them regularly to improve flexibility.
- Adjust Your Sleeping Position: Make sure your head and neck are aligned with your body while sleeping. Consider the use of a supportive pillow that maintains the natural curve of your neck.
If your pain persists, consulting a professional can provide you with personalized advice and treatment options. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to treating neck pain related to bad posture. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help realign your spine and reduce the tension in your neck muscles. We can also offer tailored advice on posture, ergonomics, and exercises to strengthen your neck and improve your posture, providing you with long-term relief from pain.
It’s time to say goodbye to neck pain. At Awaken Chiropractic, your local Parker chiropractor is here to help you find relief. Contact us today to book your initial consultation.
