Many of us spend hours each day hunched over our smartphones, tablets, and computers. In fact, most of us would be out of a job and many hobbies if it weren’t for these digital devices. But while they’ve made life more convenient, the poor posture involved in looking at many of these devices can lead to a condition known as “tech neck”—pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
Below, we take a closer look at this condition and how your local Highlands Ranch and Parker chiropractor can help.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck, also known as “text neck” or forward head posture, is a term used to describe the pain and discomfort caused by looking down at electronic devices for extended periods. When you tilt your head forward to view a screen, it places increased stress on the neck and spine.
The human head weighs about 10-12 pounds when in a neutral position. However, for every inch the head tilts forward, the force on the neck doubles. At a 45-degree angle, which is common when using handheld devices, the head can exert nearly 50 pounds of force on the neck and spine.
Over time, this increased stress can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain and tightness
- Headaches
- Upper back pain
- Reduced mobility in the neck and shoulders
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
If left untreated, tech neck can lead to more serious problems like herniated discs, pinched nerves, and chronic pain. Thus, it’s important to address the issue before it progresses to this point.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Tech Neck
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can help alleviate the symptoms of tech neck. Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from this condition:
- Improved spinal alignment: Poor posture, like that associated with tech neck, can cause misalignments in the spine. These misalignments, known as subluxations, can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to realign the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves.
- Reduced pain and stiffness: By correcting spinal misalignments and reducing nerve pressure, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate neck pain and stiffness associated with tech neck. Many patients report feeling immediate relief after an adjustment.
- Enhanced range of motion: Tech neck can cause tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles, restricting range of motion. Chiropractic care can help loosen these tight muscles, allowing for better mobility in the neck and shoulders.
- Improved nervous system function: The nervous system controls all functions in the body, and it relies on proper spinal alignment to function optimally. By correcting subluxations, chiropractic care can help improve overall nervous system function. This can lead to better health and well-being beyond just relief from tech neck symptoms.
- Long-term relief: While pain medications and other short-term solutions may provide temporary relief from tech neck, they don’t address the underlying cause of the problem. Chiropractic care aims to correct the root issue, providing longer-lasting relief and preventing future problems.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent tech neck. This may include advice on proper posture and ergonomic workstation setup.
If you spend a lot of time using electronic devices and are experiencing neck pain and stiffness, you may be suffering from tech neck. Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective way to alleviate these symptoms and prevent future problems. At Awaken Chiropractic, we’re here to help you overcome this pain and lead a full, happy, and healthy life. Book your appointment with our expert team today!
