Chronic neck pain seems to be a more prevalent issue than ever before. Could it be that modern life is contributing to the problem? There are several ways in which this is very much the case. We are going to look at some of the more common connections between the modern world and the increase in chronic neck problems. Then we will discuss a natural way to find the relief and support that you need to keep your neck and spine healthy.
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How many times per day do you check your smartphone? Most people can’t provide a specific number because they check their phones over and over again throughout the day without even thinking about it. Whether it is a text message, social media post, the news, or just looking to see what time it is, we may look down at our phones a dozen times per hour. But do you ever think about what this is doing to your neck?
The human head weighs approximately 12 pounds. That is enough stress on the neck as it is. However, when we crane our head forward, we increase the strain even more. Where do you usually hold your phone when you check it? Do you bring it up to eye level? Most of us don’t. But looking down at a 60-degree angle to see a phone that is held at waist level or near the chest is going to create five times the pressure on your neck!
To combat the effects of modern technology on your neck, it calls for thoughtful action. Rather than checking the phone over and over without consideration, have set times to look at your phone. For the time, get a watch that you can easily raise to eye level rather than looking down. Have technology-free times such as at the dinner table with your family. The fewer times you look down per day, the less strain there will be on your neck.
More people used to have jobs that required being up and working with their hands. Now, most people sit at a desk all day. There are several problems with this as far as your neck is concerned. First of all, sitting is terrible for your spine in general. Second, it may be tempting to keep your hands free for typing when taking a phone call. But if you do this by holding the phone between your neck and shoulder, it can lead to injury.
Additionally, many of us do not have an appropriate chair at the office for comfort. Finally, posture often suffers at a desk. If you sit with your shoulders hunched forward or looking slightly down at monitors that are below eye level all day long, this can cause long-term issues for the neck.
How can you combat the effect of the modern workplace on your neck? Keep your monitors at eye level to maintain better posture. You may even want to wear a posture corrector during the day. Get up at regular intervals to stretch – never go more than an hour sitting in one place. If you need your hands free during a phone call, use speakerphone or a headset.
Stress may not be the underlying cause of your neck pain, but it can certainly be a trigger that is contributing to your symptoms. When you experience stress, the body tightens the muscles in the neck and shoulders. When this stress is ongoing, it can lead to muscle knots, pinched nerves, and inflammation. Therefore, any underlying neck issues may get worse.
Our modern lifestyle seems to breed stress. We have stressful jobs, a stressful commute, and anxiety over paying off debts, such as student loans. All of these stressors can keep hormone levels elevated. While these hormones help us deal with emergency situations that cause stress, when the hormone levels remain high for too long, there can be many adverse effects.
In order to manage your stress, you need to find healthy ways to reduce these hormone levels. One of the best ways is exercise since this produces its own hormones that counteract stress and reduce pain in the body. Other stress management techniques can include knowing when to take a break, meditating daily on positive things, and having a hobby that helps you relax.
While modern life can lead to increased neck pain, you now have the tools you need to counteract these problem sources. On top of this, you need to correct any underlying damage that has already occurred. An upper cervical chiropractor may be able to help in this regard. Precise and gentle adjustments of just the top two bones in the neck can provide the body with the opportunity it needs to heal without using any sudden or jerky motions.
If you are dealing with chronic neck pain, especially if you have reached the point where proper posture doesn’t even feel natural anymore, upper cervical chiropractic care may be exactly what you need. To learn more, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a practitioner in your area. This may be the natural relief for chronic neck pain that you have been searching for.
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TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
