Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain, especially for individuals who spend most hours of the day sitting in front of a computer. The use of smartphones and tablets can also cause neck pain, as the body is often strained forward when using these types of devices.
Forward head posture is the most common condition contributing to neck pain. When the neck slants forward, placing the head in front of the shoulders, it strains the muscles and can result in pain. The forward pull of the weight of the head causes the upper back muscles to overcompensate for the extra pull of gravity on the head. Because this position places extra stress on the vertebrae of the neck, overtime, it may lead to degenerative neck problems such as degenerative disc disease.
To avoid bad posture and prevent pain, it’s important to properly position the items at your workstation. While sitting up straight with your chair supporting your back, your eyes should be level with the top third of your screen, your forearms should be horizontal to the keyboard, and your feet should be flat on the floor with hips slightly above the knees. The key is to have as much symmetry as possible in repetitive tasks done daily. Persistent movements and rotations can aggravate joints and tissue, resulting in neck and back pain. Additionally, when using smartphones and tablets, it’s important to take breaks, evaluate your posture and correct your form to avoid straining your neck.
If you, a friend or family member is experiencing any type of neck, back or shoulder pain, please contact us at 732-431-2155 to schedule an appointment with a member of our chiropractic team.
