Many tasks that used to be done in person are now completed virtually, resulting in people spending lots of time in front of screens. From writing e-mail messages to posting on social media, all this time on devices can put stress on your eyes, your fingers, and most of all, on your neck.
Currently, the average American adult spends almost 6 hours a day in front of digital devices, almost a third of waking hours. While you’re focused on tapping away at your phone or keyboard, you may be holding your neck at awkward angles that can cause you pain and serious long-term conditions.
At One Accord Physical Therapy, we understand that it’s very hard to get through life with painful conditions that slow you down. Our extremely skilled and compassionate team of physical therapists and pain management doctors provide a full range of treatments to relieve your pain and get you moving again. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment options for addressing issues caused by the condition known as tech neck.
“Tech Neck” is a term that describes the stiffness, tension, and pain that is often caused by looking at screens, especially ones that are not adjusted well. It can be the result of having your head tucked down towards your chest, looking at a cell phone. Another cause of tech neck is holding your head at an uncomfortable or awkward angle while sitting in front of a computer or tablet.
Your head weighs between 10 and 11 pounds. The muscles and ligaments of your neck need to work hard to hold up this heavy body part. When your head is tilted to either side, or front or back, this can actually double the amount of weight your neck needs to support. It’s not surprising that 1 in 3 people experience neck pain.
The symptoms of tech neck can vary from person to person but usually include one or more of the following:
If untreated, tech neck can contribute to the development of conditions such as arthritis of the neck, spine issues, cervical radiculopathy, and chronic neck and shoulder pain.
We provide a variety of treatment options for tech neck that target the areas of your body that are most affected. At your first appointment, your provider reviews your medical history, completes a full physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests if required. It may be necessary for you to modify or reduce your screen time while you are receiving treatment.
Your provider develops a treatment plan to address your tech neck issues which includes a variety of treatments to reduce your pain and restore flexibility. The treatment options your provider recommends may include physical therapy, medical massage therapy, and prescriptive exercises. In addition, you may need to make adjustments to how your devices are set up and how you use them to prevent recurrences of this condition.
Tech neck is a condition that is caused by spending many hours each day using electronic communication devices like smartphones and computers. It can cause pain and stiffness and contribute to the development of more serious conditions. There are a number of effective treatment options that relieve your discomfort.
To set up an appointment, call the office location that’s most convenient for you.
