Tech neck and its effects — Mitigating your risk and finding healthy alternatives

If you’re one of the millions of Americans now working from home (or spending excessive amounts of time at home) it’s likely that you’ve noticed some recurring head and neck pain as you go about your workday. This is due to what physicians are calling “tech neck,” which is becoming more prevalent as people spend more time head down in their tech devices. Tech neck has its own negative health effects it can cause, which can severely disrupt and minimize your quality of life. We’ll talk about that in this blog along with how you can find relief.

Effects of tech neck

Contrary to what the name might imply, the effects of tech neck can extend past the neck region. Tech neck can cause symptoms ranging from vertigo to chronic headaches and can even cause nerve degeneration and spinal curvature, according to Everyday Health. Many of the patients affected are in their younger, working years, which may pose additional complications as they age.

How to minimize the risk of tech neck

Everyone has their own specific way that they enjoy working. Maybe you have a favorite corner of your home, a window seat or even a favorite co-working cafe space. No matter what your preferences are, you may still be at risk for tech neck if you are not actively working to prevent or minimize its effects. Below are a few ways that you can minimize the risk that this condition poses:

1. Invest in ergonomic aids

Ergonomic furniture and equipment can go a long way to supporting your fight against tech neck. You might consider investing in a specialty chair for your work from home space, neck and spinal supports, support pillows and other types of aids. These are widely available since the work-from-home push.

2. Practice regular spinal checks

Take a moment and assess your posture right now. Are you slouching? Take a deep breath, straighten your spine and square your shoulders. You’ll likely feel instant relief from your tired and sore muscles! Doing this throughout your workday can help you be more mindful of your spinal health and bad habits to break.

3. See a doctor of chiropractic regularly

Committing to regular chiropractic care can help to minimize your risks of tech neck. Doctors of chiropractic (DC) are trained to offer effective, drug-free care options that can enhance your body’s natural ability to heal and preserve its own wellness.

Tech neck can affect everyone, but there are steps that you can take to minimize its effects. For more information and to connect with a DC near you, visit our website today.