5 Simple Steps to Prevent Tech Neck

The act of holding your head flexed and forward while looking down at your handheld device and/or laptop screen places your cervical spine in a tenuous position.

Watch Cervical Spine Anatomy Video

Correcting your posture and performing simple neck stretches can help to avoid Tech Neck symptoms.
See How to Avoid Text Neck Overuse Syndrome

Over long periods of time, maintaining this head-forward posture can lead to muscle strain, disc injury, nerve impingement and arthritic changes of the neck—and the potential for developing ongoing neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and pain radiating down the arms.

Originally termed "text neck"—the new term Tech Neck highlights the fact that it's not just texting anymore—almost all the time we spend looking at any screen has the potential for damaging the neck.  

See Neck Pain Causes

5 simple steps to prevent tech neck

To avoid developing degenerative neck changes due to posture, here are several simple steps you can start today.

1. Set time limits. Limit the amount of time and frequency that you use your device. If you have to use it for an extended period of time, take breaks. Develop a habit of taking a three-minute break for every 15-20 minutes you use your device. Change your posture and move around.
See Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics
2. Set automatic reminders. Utilize an automatic alarm with your smart device reminding you to take a time out. For those of you that have wearable devices these can be set to remind you to break, such as the iWatch which can tap you every 15-20 minutes.
See Workplace Ergonomics and Neck Pain
3. Use a tablet holder. Purchase a holder to elevate your device to significantly reduce the amount of neck flexion and forward positioning. Try to keep the device as close to eye-level as possible. This is a great tool to reduce Tech Neck.
See Five More Tips for Reducing Back Pain at the Office 
4. Sit in a chair with a headrest. Switch to a chair with a headrest, and make sure to keep the back of your head in contact with the headrest while using your tablet, phone or laptop. Keeping the back of your head flush against the headrest will ensure that you're not looking down with your neck flexed forward.
See Office Chair: Ergonomic Chair Alternatives to Traditional Office Chairs
5. Use pain as a warning. If you're experiencing pain in your neck, between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arms, or frequent headaches there may be a more serious issue going on. Pay attention to these warning signs and act quickly to make changes to reduce or eliminate any head-forward posture that is straining your neck.

Watch: Text Neck Treatment Video

If utilizing the above methods and reducing the time you spend on handheld devices doesn't improve these symptoms, then it's time to seek help from a qualified health professional. As a general rule, the sooner you seek treatment the more likely it is that you'll have success in treating the problem.

See When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?

Learn more:

Chronic Neck Pain: What Condition Is Causing My Neck Pain?

Neck Exercises for Neck Pain

Call ABChiropractic Family & Wellness at 636-916-0660 to see how we can help with your health needs.  We are conveniently located in St. Charles, MO 63303.  We are your headquarters for fast pain relief and wellness for the whole family.