Got “Tech Neck”? Here’s How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Did you know the average American spends about three hours a day looking at their phone? Scrolling your news feed and responding to texts may not seem strenuous, but over time, these activities can take a significant toll on your musculoskeletal system, increasing your risk of “tech neck.”

At The Clinic Houston Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, experienced chiropractor Michael Shiha, DC, often treats patients dealing with shoulder pain and neck pain because of technology use. Keep reading to discover why tech neck happens and how chiropractic care can help.

What is tech neck?

Tech neck refers to pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, or upper back caused by using electronic devices like smartphones and tablets for extended periods. 

The average human head weighs about 12 pounds, but looking down for hours on end increases the strain significantly. One study found that looking down at a 45-degree angle increases the pressure on your neck by about 22 kilograms, or nearly 48 pounds!

Symptoms of tech neck include:

• Neck stiffness
• Upper back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness in your arms or hands

Anyone can experience tech neck, but it most commonly affects students, remote workers, and people who spend lots of time texting or gaming on their phones.

How chiropractic care can help

Chiropractic care uses a mix of spinal adjustments, posture correction, and targeted therapies. These techniques ease pain and inflammation, improve poor posture, and strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Although every treatment plan varies, we often recommend a combination of several techniques. For example, we might suggest:

• Massage therapy or acupuncture to relieve tense muscles
• A posture assessment to determine if the way you sit or stand worsens your symptoms
• Chiropractic adjustments to realign the vertebrae in your cervical spine
• Ergonomic recommendations to make your workspace more supportive

Since chiropractic care is cumulative, meaning the results add up over time, we typically prescribe ongoing care to prevent flare-ups and support general wellness.

Tips for preventing tech neck

Chiropractic care provides a safe, noninvasive way to prevent tech neck from worsening, but to ensure lasting results, we often recommend lifestyle changes to help complement our efforts. 

For instance, if you use a computer or tablet at work, bringing the screen to eye level can keep you from having to look down, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders. Similarly, taking breaks every 30-60 minutes to get up and walk around can support your spine and keep your vertebrae properly aligned.

Other things that can help keep your neck, shoulders, and upper back pain-free include sitting in a chair that provides adequate back support and doing neck stretches daily. Small changes like these often make the biggest difference.

Schedule chiropractic treatment for tech neck

Dealing with tech neck at work can make your days feel like a slog, but chiropractic care can help you feel better. To learn more, call Dr. Shiha at 346-387-0622 or request an appointment online today.