In today’s world, we are on our phones constantly, and if we aren’t on our phone, we are likely looking at a computer, tablet, television, or smart watch. It’s impossible to list the ways in which technology has improved and simplified many areas of life, but that doesn’t come without problems. Our bodies were not built to be bent over, looking down, and straining in the way that they do to accommodate the constant use of this technology. While this is not something most people think about, the health concerns brought about by these postures are so common that they have been coined “tech neck” by experts, though some prefer to call it “text neck.” While tech neck is a relatively new concern to match new technology, chiropractic care has been around for a long time, and visiting Lithia Springs chiropractor Dr. Ronnie Bolar can help alleviate this modern problem.
Do I Have Tech Neck?
Tech neck is caused primarily by the straining of our necks, specially straining forward past the shoulders, beyond where they naturally fall. This can lead to pain or discomfort in the back, neck, or shoulders. It’s no wonder this can cause annoyance as every inch our neck stretches past our shoulders, an extra 10 pounds of pressure is added! In addition to pain, this leaning can also lead to stiffness, tenderness, headaches, or even tingling in the arms. Some of these symptoms can also indicate poor posture, where the head is not fully supported by the neck. These two problems often occur together and are interrelated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to visit Vital Life Chiropractic to see how chiropractic care can help reduce your pain.
Chiropractic Care for Tech Neck
The focus of chiropractic care is spinal alignment, including posture and the proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine. Gentle adjustments can relieve neck pain by allowing muscles to relax, compressed nerves to release, and tension to dissipate. Pain is often relieved after one or two adjustments, and further visits to Dr. Ronnie Bolar can allow range of motion to return and tech neck to be alleviated for good with proper upkeep.
Preventing Tech Neck
Once you have visited Vital Life Chiropractic and experienced relief from tech neck, you may realize the toll that using computers and phones all day are taking on your body. But it is not feasible to never use these devices, so how can you be more vigilant to avoid the same problem in the future? Focusing on improving posture can be a large factor, and since most technology use takes place at work, you may want to look into work ergonomics. Regular chiropractic care can also help pain and discomfort from returning, so it is important to continue visiting a Lithia Springs chiropractor as a preventative measure.
If you have symptoms of tech neck or want to prevent issues from coming up in the future, book your first appointment with Dr. Ronnie Bolar today. Vital Life Chiropractic serves practice members in Lithia Springs, Atlanta, Austell, Mableton, Kellogg, and all of Douglas County.
Sources
Maltby,.K., Harrison, D.D., Harrison, D.E., Betz, J.W, Ferrantelli, J.R., Clum, G.W. “Frequency & Duration of Chiropractic Care for Headaches, Neck and Upper Back Pain.”Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2008 Aug: 1-12. https://getgreaterlifechiropractic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microsoft-Word-2008-1274_frequency.doc.pdf.
Morningstar MW, Pettibon BR, Schlappi H, Schlappi M, Ireland TV. “Reflex control of the spine and posture: a review of the literature from a chiropractic perspective.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 2005 Aug 9; 13:16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16091134.