Do you have pain in your neck and shoulders? Do you have headaches and feel like you just can’t hold your head up? Are you totally wiped out at the end of the day? If you spend hours hunching over a computer or staring down at a smartphone like so many of us with busy lives here in Clarksville and Ellicott City, you’ve likely been plagued with spinal postural stress known as “tech neck” or “text neck”.
The symptoms are caused by repeatedly craning your head down and forward to look at a screen. This abnormal posture can apply excess pressure–up to 50 pounds–on spinal bones and muscles meant to handle only 10-12 pounds (the head’s weight at neutral). That’s like carrying a six-year-old around your neck all day! It can cause strain and pain at the neck, stiffness in the shoulders, and might result in headaches, and can develop into long-term degenerative damage and arthritis to the spine over time.
The good news is you can condition your body to reverse incorrect “tech neck” and “text neck” posture, pain and prevent further discomfort. Dr. Glenn Molin at Ten Oaks Health and Wellness in Glenelg, MD recommends these 6 tips:
- Limit time spent on handheld devices
- Be aware of your posture. Try to keep your head and shoulders back in a neutral and upright posture
- Hold your device at eye-level or even slightly higher
- Take breaks and move your head, neck and shoulders
- Exercise properly to increase strength and flexibility
- See a Chiropractor! Chiropractors are excellent at treating the effects of poor posture and helping your spine increase strength, flexibility, and proper function
Chiropractic care can play a valuable role in the treatment of shoulder impingement, although it may not always be the sole solution. It is, however, an excellent starting point, especially for individuals who wish to delay or avoid surgical intervention entirely.
It is important to note that achieving perfect shoulder biomechanics is not a prerequisite for significant pain reduction. Even minor improvements can lead to a noticeable decrease in pain, provided the condition is addressed before it progresses too far.
Fortunately, we have a team of highly skilled professionals specializing in shoulder rehabilitation. We encourage you to reach out to us, and together we can explore the possibilities of what chiropractic care can do for your shoulder impingement.
Technology will continue to become more dominant in our lives. Following the above tips and seeing a chiropractor to ensure your spine is aligned and functioning properly will go a long way in getting you back to feeling healthy and vibrant.