Did you know an average individual spends around four hours a day on their smartphone?
These days, almost everyone can be seen bending their neck at an unnatural angle to use their phone or a handheld device. While doing this, you are putting pressure on your spine of up to 60 pounds, which is equivalent to an 8-year-old child.
Indeed, technology has made our lives easier but excessive screen time has become the underlying reason for a 60% increase in neck pain and back pain problems. Therefore, it is crucial that we understand the implications of our habits and take care of our physical well-being. Today, we will discuss tech neck conditions and will explore the efficacy levels of chiropractic care for the problem. Let’s find out how seeking help from a Tallahassee pain chiropractor today can protect you from the long-term consequences of tech neck troubles.
What is tech neck condition?
Tech neck is a condition that refers to the strain and discomfort you experience in the neck and upper back. This condition is linked to the habit of hunching over their handheld devices for extended periods, which causes unnatural forward bending of the neck and spine.
Tech neck has become a rising concern because when left untreated it may result in strain and stress in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck region.
What are the causes of tech neck?
Recently, there is a surge in tech neck cases. Studies reveal that the condition can be attributed to a convergence of modern habits and lifestyle changes. Here are the common causes of tech neck troubles.
Popularity of Handheld Devices: Due to the immense popularity of handheld devices we hunch over the devices and tilt our heads downward. This way of sitting puts stress on the muscles in your neck and throws off the natural curve of your spine, adding to the issue of neck pain.
Prolonged Screen Time and Poor Ergonomics: Do you spend a lot of your time on social media? Scrolling for a prolonged time when combined with poor ergonomic setups, contribute significantly to the tech neck problem. Most individuals suffer from tech neck because they don’t care about their sitting posture or chair height while using their phones.
When to search for a chiropractor near me for a tech neck?
Recognizing tech neck symptoms and addressing them promptly help mitigate the effects and promote overall spinal health. The symptoms begin as minor discomfort and gradually escalate into pronounced issues. It is recommended to visit a chiropractor when you observe any of the below mentioned tech neck symptoms:
Neck Pain: Persistent or recurring localized pain in the neck
Upper Back Pain: Discomfort between the shoulder blades
Shoulder Tension: Tightness or tension in the shoulders, often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness
Headaches: Tension headaches originate from strained neck muscles and radiate pain to the head.
Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the neck freely and comfortably
Numbness or Tingling: A “pins and needles” feeling in the arms and hands
Postural Changes: A forward head posture, where the head protrudes forward from the shoulders
What are the treatment choices for tech neck?
Remember, each person’s tech neck situation is unique, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment regimen. Depending on the severity of the condition and your tech habits, below are the treatment choices available for the condition.
Chiropractic Care: By making precise adjustments to your spine, chiropractors can realign it and potentially ease your discomfort. We will explore this option in the next section.
Pain Relief Measures: If you want to manage acute pain then Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory creams can offer temporary relief. However, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Physical Therapy: If symptoms persist, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can design a personalized exercise and treatment plan to address your specific tech neck issues.
Heat Therapy: Heat packs relax the tense muscles and improve blood circulation in the affected areas. It is an effective way to get temporary relief.
Why choose chiropractic care for tech neck?
Studies reveal that chiropractic care is a valuable approach to address the tech neck discomfort when other methods have yielded limited results. Below are the benefits of seeking chiropractic care for your unhealthy tech habits.
Address the root causes: Chiropractors do not provide treatment just to alleviate pain, but they focus on the root causes of tech neck. Hence, this approach is better compared to other temporary relief methods.
Drug-free approach: Chiropractors simply adjust the spine to restore proper alignment. It is the best way to reduce strain on muscles and nerves without the consumption of harmful toxins.
Tailored treatment: Chiropractors address your individual needs and provide efficient treatment based on your posture, medical history, and lifestyle. For better outcomes, they provide multiple treatments including spinal adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle recommendations.
Long-term relief: As stated above chiropractic adjustments focus on the root cause rather than the symptoms. Hence, it helps in releasing tension in muscles around the neck and upper back and prolonged relief from pain and discomfort. Through chiropractic adjustments, you can maintain a healthy spine and posture over the long term
Non-Invasive Approach: Chiropractic care embraces a natural method for promoting your body’s healing. It’s a safe and gentle option that doesn’t involve surgery or side effects, making it suitable for almost everyone.
How long do you need chiropractic sessions for tech neck?
The treatment plan depends on your specific condition. However, a series of sessions can be scheduled over a few weeks. This could range from 6 to 12 sessions. Some individuals require more or fewer sessions based on their specific needs.
Apart from resolving the immediate discomfort, you should focus on achieving long-term benefits through spinal alignment, posture, and overall spinal health. Therefore, some individuals might choose to continue periodic maintenance sessions even after the initial symptoms have improved. It is advisable that you keep visiting the “top Rated chiropractor near me” to maintain their progress and prevent future issues.
Conclusion
Chiropractic adjustments effectively provide much-needed relief from discomfort. If you are unable to change your tech habits then take a proactive step towards a healthier and pain-free lifestyle. So don’t waste time hunching on your smartphone and search for “Best Rated Chiropractor near Me in 32301”.
You can get solutions to all your tech neck woes at Pragle Chiropractic and Massage Center. Situated across the street from Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library, this chiropractic center is renowned for its top-notch quality treatment and care provided.