Technology and gadgets have been a great part of our daily lives. Smartphones, for instance, have become a source of entertainment, connectivity, and accessibility for many people. The great deal of innovation has elevated the quality of life of almost everyone because of its convenience. This particular device can be used beyond texting and calling and can serve as your wallet too. You can do banking errands, shop, pay your utilities, check your emails, and so on…
But many are unaware that smartphones have become associated with different health concerns. Excessive use of your phones can lead to different health conditions affecting you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. For example, consistently looking at your smartphone can bring physical strain, including upper neck pain. A study published in 2021 also associates excessive smartphone use with difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, impaired cognitive function, addiction to social networking, shyness, and low self-esteem.
Like all great innovations, eventually, usage can create problems for the users. But how exactly does technology, particularly your gadget use, cause lower and upper neck pain? The simple answer is because of the repetitive motion of looking down or overextending your neck for long periods that you usually engage with when using your phones. But these movements are not just limited to smartphones. Prolonged use of tablets or computers or even watching TV that is not on eye level can bring bouts of lower and upper neck pain. Sometimes these neck pains are also called tech neck.
The common reasons for neck pain include:
There has been an increase in professionals working remotely from home or public spaces. With this comes the risk of not having an ergonomic workspace ideal for prolonged sitting. Desk workers who spend a good number of hours in front of computer screens are also at risk of suffering from chronic neck pain. Students can also experience stress and pain in their necks.
If you're working from home, investing in a good-quality ergonomic chair can help support your neck and back while you do your work. Regular dining chairs or couches are not recommended for prolonged use in your work setup. For those working long hours on the computer, keeping your screen at the same level as your eyes keeps your neck neutral and reduces the stress it feels. You can also stand up, walk around, and stretch during work breaks.
Your daily commute spent sitting in a vehicle can cause stiff neck muscles. If you take a private car to and from work or school, you can modify your car seat to give enough neck and back support, such as a small pillow. Adjusting the headrest and your car seat's degree angle may also help. For those taking public transportation, keeping your neck in a neutral position may help you. Perhaps you may consider bringing a portable travel pillow with you to give your neck enough cushion during your travel.
There's no denying that electronic gadgets are a part of life nowadays. However, as mentioned, excessive browsing of your mobile phones or tablets tends to overstretch and strain your neck. In addition, looking down makes your head heavier, bringing more weight and stress to your neck bones. Holding your device up in a neutral neck position can relieve it from pressure and stress. You can also use a phone or tablet holder if you use to watch videos to keep them at your eye level.
You can help reduce pressure and stress in your neck by keeping in mind the simple remedies we shared above. However, if the simple modifications of your gadget use do not help prevent the onset of a tech neck or stop lower and upper neck pain from progressing, the damage may have been more than a muscle strain.
Your neck area is where the top two bones of your spine are located. These bones are called the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2), which help with your neck movement. However, because of their function and position, they tend to shift out of alignment. An injury or trauma, or even repetitive motions, in this case, excessive use of smartphones or tablets, can all eventually lead to upper cervical spine misalignments.
Once you notice lower or upper neck pain interfering with your life, you may benefit from a visit and consultation with an Upper Cervical Chiropractic Doctor. They are trained and skilled in identifying if a misalignment in your atlas or axis is related to the discomfort your feel. They can also move and realign your bones back safely and gently to help relieve your neck from pressure and stress. You will also find it beneficial to have your upper cervical spine examined regularly to prevent any damage or pain related to a bone misalignment in your body.
To help relieve you from uncomfortable pain and symptoms associated with your neck pain. You can have your bone alignment checked by a certified Upper Cervical Chiropractic Doctor. Click on our consolidated directory of upper cervical chiropractic doctors to find one near you. You can narrow down your search by typing in your location.
Don't hesitate to have your upper cervical health examined today. This can reduce your risk for tech neck and help you continue living a pain-free life. So call an upper cervical chiropractic doctor near you today!
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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.
