by Dr. Lisa Olszewski | Jan 19, 2024 | Neck Pain
It’s no secret that the digital age is upon us. And while we can all agree it’s made things much more convenient and accessible, it’s not all good news. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of “text neck” is becoming more and more common.
This term refers to the neck pain and damage stemming from the prolonged use of mobile devices. If you find yourself frequently hunched over your phone or tablet (maybe you’re even doing it right now), understanding the signs of text neck and seeking appropriate care can help correct the issue before pain happens.
So, in this article, we look at the common signs of text neck and how chiropractic care might help.
Common Signs of Text Neck
“Text neck,” also called forward head posture and tech neck, is undeniably a result of using our electronic devices. We lean forward to view the computer screen. Or we hunch on the couch or in our chairs over our phones. If this posture is becoming a problem for you, you might notice the following signs.
1. Chronic Neck Pain and Stiffness
One of the most obvious signs of text neck is a persistent pain in the neck. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp pains. It can also be more severe after a session at the computer or after scrolling through your phone.
2. Increased Curvature of the Spine
Excessive forward head posture from looking down at your device can lead to an unnatural curvature of the spine. If you catch a side posture of yourself, you might notice your head protruding forward, past your neck, with a bit of a bump where your back meets your neck.
3. Headaches
The strain of text neck can often lead to tension headaches, which typically manifest at the back of the head and temples.
4. Shoulder Pain and Tightness
The shoulders can also bear the brunt of poor posture, leading to pain and tightness in this area. When we protrude our heads forward, our shoulders follow. If we begin hunching more forward, we may even end up having breathing problems.
5. Reduced Mobility
Over time, text neck can lead to a decrease in the range of motion in the neck and shoulders. You might feel stiff, or it could hurt more to move one way than the other.
6. Tingling or Numbness in the Arms
In more severe cases, text neck can compress nerves, leading to tingling or numbness in the arms. However, this isn’t as common as the other five signs above.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care is an excellent, non-invasive way to address the symptoms of text neck and prevent further damage. Here are a few ways chiropractic care can do that:
- Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments to realign the spine and reduce the strain on your neck.
- Posture Correction: Chiropractors can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture to prevent the recurrence of text neck symptoms.
- Ergonomic Advice: Your chiropractor can offer advice on setting up your workspace in a way that minimizes the strain on your neck.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Chiropractors can suggest lifestyle modifications that can help mitigate the effects of prolonged device usage. For instance, they can advise you to set reminders on your phone to adjust your posture or even limit your usage of certain apps, so you live less on your phone and more in real life!
While text neck is a growing concern in our technology-driven society, it’s not an inevitable consequence of modern life. Recognizing the signs early and seeking chiropractic care can not only alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with text neck but also prevent long-term damage.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider consulting with our team at Precision Spinal Care. Our caring and compassionate professionals can provide a comprehensive approach to relieve your symptoms and improve your overall spinal health. With your Chelsea chiropractor, you can take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable neck and spine today. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a healthier life! Book your appointment now.
by Dr. Lisa Olszewski | Jan 5, 2024 | Neck Pain
Are you tired of waking up with a stiff neck every morning? Does turning your head to check a blind spot feel like a major task because of the nagging pain? You’re not alone. Neck pain is a common issue many of us face, often due to everyday activities like staring at screens, poor posture, or even stress. It’s frustrating when neck pain limits your ability to enjoy simple things like driving, working, or even playing with your kids.
At Precision Spinal Care, we understand how neck pain can make your daily life challenging and less enjoyable. But there’s good news: Chiropractic care might be the solution you’ve been looking for. So, let’s explore how visiting a chiropractor can not only ease your pain but also enhance your overall quality of life.
1. Alleviates Pain and Discomfort
Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the spine and reduce tension in the neck muscles. This realignment can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractors help to alleviate pressure on nerves and muscles in the neck area.
2. Restores Range of Motion
Neck pain can restrict your ability to move your head freely. This can be really frustrating as we often turn our heads to look in certain spots, usually without thinking.
However, chiropractic care uses techniques to loosen stiff muscles and joints, restoring your neck’s natural range of motion. Regular adjustments can keep these joints flexible and functioning optimally.
3. Reduces The Risk of Chronic Pain
Chronic neck pain can be debilitating. And when acute pain goes unaddressed, it can sometimes lead to chronic pain. Luckily, chiropractic care not only addresses the immediate pain but also focuses on preventing its recurrence. By maintaining proper spinal alignment, the risk of chronic pain conditions developing or worsening is significantly reduced.
4. Improves Posture
Poor posture is a leading cause of neck pain. Chiropractors not only perform adjustments but also provide guidance on maintaining good posture. This advice, combined with spinal adjustments, can lead to long-term improvements in posture and a reduction in neck pain.
5. Enhances Overall Well-Being
Neck pain can affect overall well-being and quality of life. Through holistic chiropractic treatment, patients often experience an overall improvement in their health. This includes reduced stress, better sleep quality, and an increased sense of well-being.
6. Personalized Care Plans
Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Chiropractors develop personalized care plans based on individual assessments, ensuring each patient receives the most effective treatment for their specific neck pain condition. In fact, during any assessment, we listen attentively to your complaints, ensuring we create a suitable treatment plan for your goals and needs.
Discover a Life Free From Neck Pain!
If you’re dealing with neck pain, chiropractic care may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. Precision Spinal Care is dedicated to providing personalized, effective treatment to help you live pain-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how chiropractic care can improve your neck health and overall well-being.
by Dr. Lisa Olszewski | Sep 29, 2023 | Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common occurrence. In fact, two out of three people will experience it at some point in their lives. While it’s definitely an unfortunate problem, there’s help out there to ease the pain. You can also take steps to lessen the occurrence or severity of it.
We’d like to stress that at Precision Spinal Care, also referred to as A Spine at a Time, we’re available to help with this type of pain.
1. Stop Staring Down at Your Phone Too Much
Shockingly, or possibly not shockingly when you go out and see people staring at their phones everywhere they go, the average person spends over three hours per day on their phones. Imagine the strain on their necks.
And keep in mind this isn’t taking into account the number of people who are on their laptops or tablets, looking downward, just like those that are on their phones.
While you may need to keep in contact with certain people and have to check certain accounts each day, limit the time you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop as much as possible.
Give yourself a certain amount of time you can be on your device. Take frequent breaks when you’re on it.
2. Move Your Neck Frequently
Even when you’re not on your phone and you’re looking forward or upward for another reason, make sure you’re moving your neck frequently. You don’t want to strain the body part.
Therefore, any time your neck is in an abnormal position for a prolonged length of time, make sure you’re moving it every so often.
3. Use Ergonomics to Your Advantage
Consider purchasing an ergonomic chair. It’ll help you keep your neck in the proper position while you sit for long periods of time. These chairs provide just the right amount of support in the ideal areas to prevent neck pain.
Whenever you work on a desktop or laptop, always position the monitor so it’s at eye level. You should NEVER have to strain your neck to see it.
If you have to use your phone, hold it up in front of your face or use a pillow or other items to prop it up so it remains at eye level.
Rather than holding your phone between your neck and shoulders when you speak, use the speakerphone feature whenever possible or invest in a headset.
Try using text-to-speech whenever possible.
4. Limit the Number of Pillows You Use
Doesn’t a bed look so much more luxurious whenever you have a pile of pillows on it?
Sleeping with one or two pillows under your neck is plenty. Any more than that, and you could find yourself with quite a neckache in the morning, as it places stress on your neck.
5. Use Hot and Cold Therapy
As a general rule, cold works well whenever you have a short-term injury, whereas warm/hot works best whenever you have a long-term or chronic injury or issue.
Sometimes, it takes experimenting or using both to help you find the optimal level of relief.
6. Receive Chiropractic Care
If you have neck pain, either acute or chronic, reach out to a Chelsea chiropractor for relief. We can help guide you through exercises that work the spine in that region slowly.
The point of them is to stretch the muscles and other soft tissue to provide relief. In the process, you encourage blood flow to the area as well.
Sometimes, the treatment is a chiropractic adjustment, which alleviates pressure on the soft tissue and nerves beside the spine.
Call us today at 734-433-9564, or use our convenient online form.
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