Do you ever catch yourself lost in the captivating world of technology, only to be abruptly reminded of a throbbing pain in your neck and a sense of discomfort that lingers throughout the day? It’s a familiar story for many of us. In our quest for digital connection and convenience, we often overlook the toll it takes on our bodies. That persistent ache in your neck isn’t just physical; it carries with it a weight of frustration, exhaustion, and a longing for relief. It’s the emotional experience of “tech neck,” a silent tormentor that disrupts our lives and challenges our well-being. We will delve into the four undeniable signs that you might be silently battling tech neck, and we’ll offer you proven strategies to regain control and find relief in an increasingly digitized world.
Sign #1
Tight, painful neck muscles and a sore, stiff neck. Outwardly, you might notice a slouched forward head and neck or an inward curving spine at the neck.
You may know that the human head weighs roughly 10 pounds, but did you know that the more angled your head is, the more weight your neck has to carry? For every inch your head angles forward, you are putting an additional 10 pounds of strain on your neck and back. That means, if you’re viewing your screen with your head at a 15-degree angle, it’s as if your neck is carrying a 27-pound head. But if you’re looking down at your phone resting on your lap, your head is likely at a 60-degree angle, putting a 60-pound burden on your neck and back! Of course your neck is killing you!
Sign #2
Poor posture. Shoulders that are rounded forward and are creaky and crunchy. Soreness around shoulder blades and/or protruding shoulder blades.
Let’s face it. If your posture is anything like this, you are a good candidate for having premature arthritic changes in your neck, along with early shoulder wear-out. Even if you’re a generally active person, many activities can actually exacerbate UCS, once the joints are out of place already. Before the problem gets any worse, get help to reverse some of the damage that has been done so that you can maintain your active lifestyle. In the meantime, take frequent breaks from your screens and, when you are looking at them, sit up straight and raise them higher.
Sign #3
Numbness in arms, hands, and fingers. Tingling fingers.
In severe cases of tech neck, the nerve running from the base of your neck down to your hands can become pinched or damaged, resulting in numbness and tingling in the upper extremities. Imagine a banana, if you will. Its curvature is similar to the natural curvature of the human neck. If you pull back on a banana in the wrong direction, what happens? It begins to tear in the middle, right? UCS or forward head carriage slowly bends our necks in the wrong direction, straightening the spine unnaturally. This can tear the fibers in our spine, creating many many painful issues. We’ll discuss some ways to repair the damage done to your spine and posture below.
Sign #4
Tension headaches and jaw pain.
When you adopt a hunched or angled posture, the angle of your neck and the weight of your head can cause stress on your neck, shoulder, and back muscles. This also puts a strain on your spinal cord, which can lead to episodic or chronic tension headaches. Tight muscles and pinched nerves can also cause local pain and contribute to headaches. When muscles are persistently tight, waste products accumulate but cannot be flushed out. This accumulation irritates nerve fibers, causing pain. But with proper posture and support, you can avoid these discomforts and optimize your overall well-being. Let us help you relieve pain and improve your posture today.
Yes, technology can be a literal pain in the neck, but most of us need to engage with screens on a daily basis! Because of this, Upper Crossed Syndrome has become an increasingly common problem. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this struggle. The emotional toll it takes can be overwhelming, but there is hope for relief and healing. Take a moment to prioritize your well-being and consider seeking professional help. Chiropractic care can address the underlying spinal misalignments that contribute to tech neck, providing both short-term relief and long-term prevention. Our postural rehab program offers targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen and correct your posture, helping you break free from the grips of tech neck. Additionally, laser therapy can work wonders in reducing muscle tension and promoting tissue repair, while trigger point therapy targets those stubborn knots and releases the built-up tension. Don’t let tech neck dictate your life any longer. Take that first step toward reclaiming your comfort and vitality. Reach out to our team today and embark on a path of healing and rejuvenation. Call today for your postural assessment and spinal examination at 302-510-6780 or schedule online at integrativephysicalhealth.com.
