If you’re currently suffering from neck pain, know that you’re not alone. Neck pain is a common complaint among US adults. However, many are unaware of what may be causing their pain. Many cases we see here at Nebraska Spine Hospital are a result of muscle tension and strain from poor habits.
Today, we’re going to delve into a few of those bad habits to illustrate the relationship between technology and neck pain.
Your computer
If you work at a computer for eight hours a day and are suffering from neck pain, the two may be related. When you look at your computer is the middle of your monitor at eye level? If not, consider placing a few books underneath the monitor to raise its height. Alternately, if you generally use a laptop, connect it to a monitor at eye level. [bctt tweet=”Set up your workstation to prevent future neck pain.” username=”NESpineHospital”]
When your computer monitor is lower than eye level, you have to look down which places extra strain on your neck. Over time, this added strain can cause your joints, ligaments, and discs to develop premature degeneration.
Your cell phone
Similar to the degeneration in your neck from looking down at your computer screen for long periods of time, looking down at your phone can be catastrophic to your spine health as well. To avoid placing excessive stress on your neck, consider raising your phone to eye level during use, limiting time spent on your phone, or taking frequent breaks.
Have you ever noticed that you have a tendency to tilt your head to the side or cradle your phone in your neck when on the phone? These habits can lead to premature degeneration. If you find yourself talking on the phone often, you may want to invest in a hands-free device, such as a headset or ear piece.
As you can see, there is a definite link between technology and neck pain. If you are currently experiencing neck pain, we urge you to try these tips to alleviate the pain. And as always, please consult your physician if the pain persists for an extended period of time.