Tech Neck
5 Tips to Prevent Pain From Smart Phone and Social Media Use
Are you reading this article on your smart phone, tablet or laptop? If yes, are you aware of your posture, particularly your neck and head position?
Tech neck is so named as it is pain associated with looking down at your phone, tablet, or laptop for prolonged periods of time, which may develop into a repetitive stress injury or muscle strain. This may cause ongoing neck pain, headaches and muscle tension.
Video: does looking at your phone give you a headache?
Video: Does looking at your phone give you a headache? Read this blog post here.
Although there is no official medical diagnosis, the term ‘tech neck’ is being used to categorise symptoms and complaints of neck pain related to smart phone use. Nobody wants to be in pain, and if you experience neck pain you may be asking yourself ‘how do I fix tech neck?’
So, what can you do about tech neck?
This can all be avoided by changing a few habits. Here are 5 easy steps to alleviating tech neck pain.
1 – Raise your screen higher
Whether you are sitting at your desk or slouched (try not to slouch) on the couch, hold your phone or tablet up close to eye level. This will avoid tilting your head forward and shifting your neck away from it’s natural alignment. If you work on a laptop, invest in a screen/laptop riser (you can google ‘laptop screen risers to see the products available) to elevate your screen up to eye level. Trust me, your productivity will improve and you will minimise neck pain.
2 – Take regular breaks away from your desk/screens
If you look at a screen for extended periods of time, take regular breaks. Focus on what I call the ‘30 to 1’ rule. For every 30 minutes you are looking at a screen or down at your phone, take a break, stretch, and refocus. Also, go focus your eyes on something in the distance, a long way away, as this will help with eyestrain and improve eye comfort.
3 – Stretch and strengthen your neck muscle
Next time you’re in clinic, ask me to show you different stretches for your neck. I can demonstrate how to safely do them and recommend the right ones for your posture. As long as you don’t experience pain, you could try this simple stretch:
Tuck your chin down as though it were touching your chest, then slowly raise it upward. Then gently turn your head over one shoulder, then the other. If you experience pain or feel dizzy, stop, and give me a call.
4 – Podcast as you commute
You want to fit as much into your day as possible – I know I do! When you commute to work, don’t look down at your screen playing candy crush. Instead, download some podcasts, plug and play, and sit upright with your headphones in. Not only will you strengthen your posture, you may also learn something fascinating.
5 – Gym time, leave the phone behind
I see it all the time – people using their phone whilst sitting on a piece of gym equipment. Not only are they doing a disservice to their workout, they are looking down at their phone and creating more tech-neck – ouch! When it’s time to exercise, put the phone down and focus on what’s around.
Graphic – Tech Neck Images and Better Posture Habits
Image: this image shows you examples of bad postures while using screens and devices: sitting with the screen too low, standing while looking down and slouching on the lounge. It then shows you better postures such as a standing work station and using a screen riser while sitting on the lounge.
Wrap Up
So these are my top 5 tips to help you prevent or better manage tech next. It’s a modern day problem, but through adopting better posture habits, pain can be prevented.
Want to Know More?
Contact me today to find out more about chiropractic and how I may help you with your health challenge.
Dr. Rosemarie Jabbour (Chiropractor) is the owner and chiropractor at New World Chiro, Parramatta. Rosemarie is an experienced and highly professional healthcare practitioner with over 25+ years experience in caring for the local community. Rosemarie was also one of the chiropractors for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games. With a keen interest in spinal health, neuroscience and sports fitness, Rosemarie is a natural health champion and advocate.
In addition to running New World Chiro, Rosemarie runs corporate health and wellness training programs, chiropractic assistant training, and networks within a variety of local business networks.
Qualifications
- B.Sc.(Biol.Sc.)
- B.App Sc (Clin.Sc)
- B.C.Sc.
- Cert CCSP (U.S.A).ICSSD
- The International Chiropractic Sports Science Diploma 1997
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Chiropractic in 1998
