Do you suffer from pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders? Read this article to learn tips and exercises to help you get rid of pain today.
For most people, it is impossible to avoid using smartphones, computers and tablets. While these tools make our lives a little easier, they also force us into unnatural positions that can lead to technology bottleneck.
Fortunately, there are several ways to deal with this issue and even avoid it in the first place. Here are my top recommendations as a physiotherapist.
What is Tech Neck?
Technical neck can occur when you spend long periods of time staring at a screen. This condition is a result of looking down and holding your head in one position for too long.
The main symptom of tech neck is pain. It causes pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. It can also lead to jaw pain and tension headaches. [*]
The technical neck can also cause neck wrinkles. Since the skin on the neck is relatively thin with a strong layer of muscle underneath, repeatedly holding your neck in this position can easily lead to tech neck wrinkles – horizontal lines on your neck.
Exercises to get rid of technical neck
1. Chin lumps
Find an empty wall, then stand in front of it with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place the top of your spine against the wall. Pull your head straight back so it touches the wall, keeping your chin tucked the whole time.
Hold this position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
2. Scapula retraction
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your neck, shoulders, arms and jaw relaxed. Now rotate your shoulders by pulling your shoulder blades back toward the wall behind you and then down toward the ground.
Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
*THE Theragun Prime it is excellent for a deep tissue massage. With different speed levels, this can help target muscle fatigue and soreness.
3. Upper Trapezius Stretch
From a seated position, sit up tall with your spine straight. Relax your shoulders and neck muscles.
Turn your head to the right, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder. Avoid turning your head by keeping your gaze straight ahead. You should feel a stretch along the left side of your neck and shoulder. [*]
Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat three times per side.
4. Thoracic angle extension
Find an accessible corner of the room. Stand facing the corner, then put one bent leg forward and one leg back into a slide position. Place one hand on each wall, hands overhead, arms outstretched.
Avoid stretching too far – you should maintain a bend in the elbow and keep your shoulders relaxed. Then lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest.
Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Dr.’s Favorite Tools Dawn for Tech Neck:
Tips to help you get rid of and avoid technical neck
1. Take frequent rest breaks
The longer you sit in one position hunched over a screen, the more likely you are to develop tech neck. So give yourself plenty fast breaks – a few minutes away from your computer, smartphone or tablet every 30 minutes. This is also a great time to complete the exercises mentioned above.
*Liva Trigger point massage tool it can help eliminate painful knots in your muscles. It is a great relaxation tool designed to ease aches and pains.
2. Watch your posture
Your posture is how you hold your body, whether you are moving or standing still. When you’re hunched over a computer screen, you probably completely forget about your posture. So be careful and check in with yourself regularly.
Follow these tips for good posture:
Relax your shoulders down and away from your face.
Keep your thighs parallel to the floor when sitting.
Keep your feet on the floor instead of crossing your legs.
3. Optimize your workspace
The height of your desk and chair also determines your posture. You can adjust their setting to ensure you can use your devices while maintaining proper posture.
Your computer screen should be at eye level so you don’t have to look down to use it. You can get either an adjustable desk or an adjustable monitor stand to achieve this.
You can also adjust your chair for better posture. The chair should be high enough so that your thighs are parallel to the ground and you can sit with your feet flat on the floor.
4. Consider getting a standing desk
Sitting for long periods of time can increase your chances of tech neck. By using a standing desk, you can alternate between sitting and standing. This can help eliminate stress in the neck because it is easier to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed while standing.
5. See a PT
The best way to deal with technical neck and neck pain is to seek professional help. A physical therapist can create a customized routine to help improve your stiff neck, poor posture, and more.
Your PT may also recommend that you exercise regularly they help build muscle. This can also help you maintain proper posture and avoid neck strain.
How to Get Rid of Tech Neck
Tech neck also leads to horizontal lines on the neck. In addition to improving your posture with the above tips, there are additional things you can do to treat and minimize wrinkled skin. Try adding the following to your skincare routine:
Neck cream: There are some topical creams that are designed only for horizontal necklines. Look for ingredients like glycolic acid or retinol. [*]
Sun protection: The sun causes wrinkles and other forms of skin aging. Protect your skin by using sunscreen or covering the neck area when outdoors.
Hydration: Keeping the skin on your neck moisturized can help reduce the appearance of deep lines. Hyaluronic acid is a great addition to your regular moisturizer if you want to boost skin hydration.
*Sombra Warm Therapy it can be used to help relieve minor aches and pains. It includes warming and cooling ingredients with a refreshing orange scent.
Whether you want to fight tech neck wrinkles or pain, you should set aside some time each day to deal with tech neck. Incorporating the above tips into your daily routine and watching them, you will start feeling better soon. And, if you don’t, be sure to see a physical therapist to get more specialized treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website, including text, graphics, images and other material, is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have about your particular condition.