“Tech Neck”
In today’s society, most individuals are spending more and more time on their cell phones and other electronic devices. When we’re at work, we sit at a desk on our computers. After we get off, we look down at our phones scrolling Instagram or Tic Tok. Before we know it, our screentime report for the week informs us that we have spent 4, 6, 8, or even more hours on our electronic devices… And here lies the start of “tech neck”.
Tech neck is a structural problem that develops in the cervical spine due to excessive electronic use. As we spend more time looking down at screens, the curve in our neck which should go “backward” starts to straighten out and eventually can even reverse. This causes multiple issues. First, it puts more stress on the structures of the spine which eventually leads to the discs wearing out and bone spurs developing. Second, as the head juts out further forward, the muscles in the back of the neck must work harder to support the weight of the head. Every inch the head moves forward increases its weight relative to the spine by 10 POUNDS! That’s a lot of extra work for those neck muscles. Third, as the head moves out forward and the curve is lost, it puts tension on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. So, tech neck is a STRUCTURAL issue with the bones, discs, and muscles but also a FUNCTIONAL issue with the spinal cord and nervous system.
So what can we do about it? Well, it doesn’t appear like the use of electronic devices is going away anytime soon. However, there are effective ways to limit and even reverse the adverse effects of tech neck. Specific, targeted chiropractic adjustments can help restore the normal, healthy curve in the cervical spine. This takes pressure off the muscles, discs, and nerves in the head and neck area. Discussing proper workplace ergonomics helps limit the adverse effects of working at a desk. Lastly, adding in one or two posture exercises will help support your spine in a healthy, proper alignment while you scroll away on your electronic devices.
So, you don’t have to stop scrolling instagram to solve tech neck. Go in, see your chiropractor and start your journey to a healthier spine and nervous system.
