The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to work from home. While working from home is actually the healthiest way to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it’s not exactly the ideal solution. The constant use of laptops, smartphones, and other handheld electronic devices can cause strain and pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. This is a result of posture problems caused by looking down at smartphones and holding them incorrectly.
Numerous studies have confirmed how sedentary our modern lifestyles are. Sitting for prolonged periods of time-whether at a desk, driving, watching TV, or sitting behind a computer-can lead to soreness, fatigue, and muscle strain, which is known as “tech neck.”
Are you suffering from ‘tech neck’? Known medically as Forward Head Posture (FHP), it’s an epidemic that has plagued office workers since the dawn of technology. People with tech neck often experience shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, and other symptoms. In that case, it is advised to take the help of a medical professional to get rid of the pain.
Sitting for long periods at a desk, hunched over your smartphone, is one of the worst things you can do for your neck, shoulders, and back. There are treatments for the pain and soreness caused by a sedentary lifestyle, such as neck massagers, back braces, and shoulder pain relief treatments. However, prevention is just as important to make sure the condition doesn’t get worse. Fortunately, there are some easy ways you can protect yourself from this all-too-common affliction. Here are some tips:
Keep track of your posture
While there are many causes of neck pain, such as poor posture, poor sleeping habits, or injury, sitting at a desk for extended hours staring at a screen contributes to neck pain the most. The painful effects of tech neck can include sore neck muscles, stiff neck, and headaches.
Your computer might be your best friend, but spending too much time in front of it can have negative effects on your health, particularly your neck. Because your neck is still somewhat immobile, sitting improperly can have lasting negative effects, including neck pain. Take frequent breaks from your screen, or look for a standing desk if you work in an office. And be sure to keep your neck muscles strong by stretching them regularly.
Also, keep an eye on your back. People who sit at the desk all day tend to start hunching without realizing it. Not only can that lead to back problems, but it can also put a lot of pressure on the neck of the individual. If you start to notice that your posture is getting affected by your job, or that you are experiencing back pain, consider going to an adelaide back pain professional or another chiropractor nearby who can give you the necessary treatment for your bad back and neck. Doing so on a regular basis will help prevent future neck issues that you otherwise might have at a desk job.
Try getting a more ergonomic setup
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly looking down to text, email, check social media, or answer calls? This type of posture can lead to serious health issues, including early arthritis of your neck.
For most of us, the coronavirus pandemic has closed office doors, forcing us to work from home. It also means we have to sit in front of the screen more, which certainly means more time hunched over a computer or phone. This can lead to all sorts of problems, from headaches and neck pain to shoulder pain and back issues. But you can mitigate some of these issues with one simple adjustment to your work setup. That is, you can purchase office furniture of good quality that supports your back, arms, and wrist. This can help you work long hours without any trouble.
Take breaks once in a while
Sitting at your desk all day can definitely take a toll on your neck. While you most likely won’t notice your neck acting up right away, it can become extremely stiff and painful over time. Thankfully, you don’t need a neck brace or neck exercises to fix your neck; you just need to give your body some (temporary) rest.
Try neck exercises
During the pandemic, you may be required to spend most of your time at home in an environment that doesn’t allow for regular exercise. While inactivity can lead to weight gain, neck exercises can help prevent that. Neck exercises can strengthen and lengthen muscles as well as improve posture. It’s recommended that you perform neck exercises at least 5 days a week.
Pain, especially in the neck, is frustrating and can lead to further health problems. So, spend your non-work time doing things that don’t require you to be seated in front of a screen if you spend much of your day in front of a screen because of your job. Make the most of your free time by doing something fun that’s also good for you, such as taking a walk, meeting up with friends, or just taking a nap. Also, if you have been sitting for long hours, then try doing some easy neck exercise. Your neck will definitely thank you!