5 Ways to Relieve ‘Tech Neck’

Technology is so incorporated into our culture that we’re starting to develop problems beyond the occasional carpal tunnel or eye strain. Now mobile phone and tablet users from the ages of eight to 80 are suffering from ‘Tech Neck’ because they spend so much time looking at their devices.

‘Tech Neck’ or Text Neck’ is described as the muscle pain in the neck, shoulders and back that’s associated with holding your head in a flexed and forward position.

I’m not passing judgement, mind you.  When I discover some amazing landscapes during a hike or a bike ride, I feel compelled to snap a photo and share it on social media.

But there is a limit to how much ‘looking down’ the human body can handle.  We’re just not designed to hold this position for a long period of time.

Here are five ways to relieve tech neck:

1. Set time limits for yourself.  Most devices come with some sort of timer, and this is a very good use for it. Give yourself twenty minutes – when you hear the timer, look up and roll your shoulders back.
2. Watch your posture.  While sitting or standing, try rolling your shoulders back toward your spine and stretching the top of your head towards the sky.
3. Elevate your computer or device. Get a stand for your iPad.  Stack a few books under your laptop if you’re not using the keyboard.  Work with your HR department to make your workstation more ergonomic.
4. Try some yoga stretching.  I found this great yoga video from Brett Larkin designed especially for people who suffer from tech neck.  Even if you do just a few of the poses, it should provide some relief as well as make you more conscious of your posture.
5. Look up! There is an amazing world around you, and some of it doesn’t end up on social media.  Take a look around.  Smile at a complete stranger. Keep yourself from running into stationary objects.

Look up! There’s a beautiful world around you.

On that note, I should mention that massage therapy with a licensed professional can alleviate some of the pain associated with tech neck, but prevention is the best way to go when dealing with a problem like this.

 Body Elemental – Phoenix, AZ – Gene Carpenter – Licensed Massage Therapist

©BodyElemental, Gene Carpenter, (MK – author) – all rights reserved.