Headaches, tension and tightness across the tops of the shoulders, pain in the neck, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands. These are all symptoms of the modern-day malady, often referred to as tech neck or text neck.
Our phones are a major reason why people experience this condition. That’s because everyone on the phone is looking downward whether they’re sitting or even walking. The latter can even be dangerous, as walking while texting or looking at your phone can distract you from seeing an oncoming car, pothole or other potential danger.
Set a Reminder
Avoiding tech neck is about not holding your head in a single posture for too long. Make sure you’re moving. That can be tricky because, from streaming and surfing to texting and talking, it’s easy to lose track of time when on our devices. And it’s easy to lose track of how we’re sitting.
Dr. Shepherd recommends that people set an alarm on their phone and put the phone somewhere where they have to get up and turn it off. That forces them to get up and move. If you’re working from home, you can set a kitchen timer on a microwave and turn it off, because you have to get up and turn it off, or it will just keep going off.
Put the Phone Down
While putting your phone away for a period may be easier said than done, it allows you to be present with others, and give your eyes and brain a break. The more time spent away from the phone makes the time spent on it more impactful.
How Chiropractic Could Help
Chiropractic care helps restore normal spinal mechanics and helps the body work and function better. Our natural care also promotes muscle relaxation.