Why Tech Neck Could Be The Cause Of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain

Spending hours looking at a laptop or hunched over a phone could strain more than just your eyes.  Frequent headaches and stiffness or soreness could result from a “tech neck.”  It is often associated with using tablets, laptops, video games, and watching TV.  However, it can also be caused by wearing heavy backpacks, sitting, or driving for long periods, and poor posture.  Over time, this can result in neck, shoulders, arms, lower back pain, and even jaw pain. 

Why Tech Neck Could Be The Cause Of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Tech neck can cause you to have long-term pain.  If it goes on too long, that pain can become very difficult to treat, and structurally, we can start to get damage to our neck, shoulders, or other joints, which can cause pressure on the nerves.
 
How to get rid of tech neck.
Improving posture and muscle strength is the first step in eliminating tech neck pain.  For some people, this may include incorporating yoga or other dynamic stretches into their regular workout routine.  For others, physical therapy may be helpful.  In some cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are necessary, as are injections to the affected joints to help with joint pain.
However, the key thing everyone should focus on is proper alignment in the body.  The best prevention is to minimize screen time.  When we must use screens for an extended period, it is essential to maintain good posture and sit up straight, keeping our screens at eye level and taking regular breaks.  In addition, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
 
When to see a doctor.
Warning signs include any neurologic problems or symptoms elsewhere in the body, such as weakness in the legs, bowel, or bladder.  Additional symptoms accompanying pain, such as fever, chills, headaches that will not go away, visual symptoms, or chest pain, are red flags warranting emergency care.  However, anytime changes to your routine do not help alleviate pain, you must discuss it with your doctor.