If you have been following the previous two parts you will understand how  “tech neck” is becoming a burden in our society.  So what are we supposed to do about it?

Focus on good posture when holding phones or tablets

Hold your phone up in front of you versus looking down.  This will keep your neck in a neutral posture which will take pressure off the spine.

When using a tablet, lay flat on the floor or on the bed.  This actually will put more of a good curve into the neck versus bending it the opposite way.  When on the computer try to be eye level and sitting with your shoulders back as not to hunch.

When on the computer try to be eye level and sitting with your shoulders back as not to hunch.

“Loss of the cervical curve stretches the spinal cord 5-7 cm and causes disease.” (Dr. Alf Breig, neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize recipient).

Take breaks from your devices

Remind yourself to look away from your screen!  “Tech neck” does not occur overnight.  It is hours of looking at screens and may not even cause side effects for years…kind of like smoking.

With computers, I recommend patients set an alarm on their phone for 20-30 minutes.  When it goes off get up and look away for 30 seconds.  When you sit back down you will reset your posture and give your eyes a break.

While up why not go get some water to keep hydrated as well!

Take care of your spine and body

As with most things in life you need to exercise, eat well, and stay hydrated!  For spinal health and total body wellness, it is important to get regularly adjusted by a chiropractor.  This helps keep the pressure off the discs, joints, nerves, muscles and all the other surrounding structures.

Forward head posture, like in “tech neck,” has been shown to flatten the normal neck curve, resulting in disc compression, damage, and early arthritis according to the journal Spine.

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Frisco, come check us out at Express Chiropractic of Frisco!