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.
