Tech Neck Chiropractic Treatment in Vero Beach

The amount of time that people spend hunched over in front of their screens has increased significantly over the years. So much so that the term “Tech Neck” was coined by Dr. Gregory Johnson, a Houston chiropractor, to describe spinal ailments caused by staring down at computer screens and smartphone screens. It’s estimated that people spend as much as three hours a day hunched over various digital devices, leading to poor posture over long periods of time.

The Problems Caused by Tech Neck

Numerous studies have discovered that Americans spend an average of 2.7 hours a day staring at their smartphones, leading to neck strain and pain. Even though the head only ways upwards of 12 pounds, however, the functional weight can be up to 60 pounds when it’s tilted forward and down. When you flex the neck in this manner frequently over a long period of time, it can affect the cervical spine. As a result, it can cause serious neck and back conditions, such as back pain, a misaligned spine, and neck pain.
The neck strain caused by Tech Neck can also cause damage to your spine in the long run. In fact, it can even cause damage to the surrounding nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones as well. Issues such as numbness in the wrists and hands, spasms in the shoulder, and headaches are also commonly experienced by those with Tech Neck. In some cases, Tech Neck has even led to decreased lung capacity and arthritis.

Preventing Tech Neck

The easy solution is to stop using digital devices, such as smartphones and tablets. However, it’s unlikely that will ever happen. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can prevent Tech Neck even if you do regularly hunch over your digital device for hours every day. The following are a few tips for reducing the impact of Tech Neck:

1. Look at your screens at eye level – When you look at your screens at eye level, you prevent yourself from bowing your head and putting a strain on your neck. This might take some getting used to when it comes to using your smartphone or tablet. However, it should be easier to adapt to when using a computer or watching television. If you’re using a laptop or a desktop, elevate the screen so that you don’t have to hunch over it.
2. Invest in a standing desk – If you spend the better part of your day sitting at a desk in front of a computer, consider investing in a standing desk. Even if your screen is situated at eye level, a lot of people have poor posture and hunch over their desks anyway. A standing desk forces you to stand upright, which helps preserve (or improve) your posture.
3. Be mindful of taking breaks – If you’re spending a lot of time in front of a screen or mobile device be sure to take regular breaks. Stand up, walk around, and do a little stretching.
4. Exercise regularly – Certain exercises can help prevent poor posture and can help make your muscles stronger and more flexible, thereby preventing Tech Neck. Such exercises include yoga and pilates.
5. Obtain chiropractic care in Vero Beach, FL – Our team at Florida Spine can help reduce Tech Neck pain and symptoms with regular treatments.

Schedule Chiropractic Care in Vero Beach, FL, Today

If you are suffering from Tech Neck or want to prevent potential Tech Neck from developing, schedule chiropractic care in Vero Beach, FL, by contacting us at Florida Spine today.