since 1999.
Nature Creation
HOT POCKETSIn today’s fast-paced digital age, we spend a considerable amount of time using our phones, tablets, and computers. As a result, more and more people are suffering from “tech neck.” Also called text neck at times, it is a relatively new term used to describe neck pain and discomfort caused by prolonged use of electronic devices.
The ever-evolving screen technology that we’ve come to love and become heavily dependent on, lies at the root of tech neck, and hence the name. In this blog, we’ll delve into the causes of tech neck and the treatment methods that can potentially alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by this condition.
Causes of Tech Neck
Tech neck is primarily caused by the prolonged and repetitive use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops. When we use these devices, we often keep our neck in a flexed or forward position for extended periods, causing undue strain on the neck muscles and spine with the weight of our heads. Over time, this leads to muscle strain, stiffness, and pain in the neck and shoulders- the most common symptoms of tech neck.
In addition to poor posture while using electronic devices, other factors that can contribute to tech neck include lack of physical activity, carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing idly in one spot. The use of a natural heating pad on the shoulders and neck, for regular heat therapy, is generally advised to relieve pain from tech neck.
Symptoms of Tech Neck
Tech neck can cause a range of symptoms- the most prominent one being an aching discomfort in the lower neck, shoulders, and upper back region. In some cases, the pain may be sharp, intense and widespread, or it may be equally agonizing but localized to a particular area. This is why the Nature Creation Shoulder PLUS Neck Wrap is smartly designed to cover an extensive area, including the full length of the neck.
Headaches can also occur in case of tech neck, as can reduced range of movement of the head. Another common symptom is a sharp pain when tilting the head forward and looking down, which can even develop into jaw pain due to misalignment of the cervical spine in extreme cases. Additionally, severe cases of tech neck can also result in either a stinging pain or numbness in the arms and hands, which is usually related to spinal nerve irritation and inflammation.
Easy Remedies for Tech Neck
Fortunately, there are several simple yet effective treatment methods for tech neck that can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent long-term damage. A few of them are listed below-
Good Posture: Maintaining proper posture while using electronic devices can help prevent tech neck. Keep your device at eye level and take frequent breaks to stretch and move your neck.
Stretching: Regular stretching exercises can help loosen the neck muscles and relieve tension. Simple neck stretches such as tilting your head side to side, and rolling your shoulders can help significantly.
Massage: A massage from a professional can help alleviate muscle tension and relieve pain caused by potential tech neck.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help correct spinal misalignments caused by tech neck and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Heat Therapy: Heat therapy can help the tight muscles along the neck and shoulders in relaxing, thus reducing the likelihood of stiffness and soreness due to tech neck. The regular use of a natural heating pad can be helpful in this case.
When to Consult a Doctor
If the pain caused by your tech neck becomes chronic and unbearable, it is best to seek medical help. It is advised to first get non-operative medical care rather than heading to a surgeon. A physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor can provide effective treatment for bone and joint issues. Surgical intervention should only be considered if non-operative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, or if there are persistent issues, like numbness or weakness that has spread to the arms.
Tech Neck Care with Nature Creation
As discussed above, heat therapy has the potential to alleviate the symptoms of minor cases of tech neck. The use of a natural heating pad can help cramped muscles in relaxing, increases blood flow to the pain spots, and reduces soreness and stiffness along the neck, shoulders and upper back region.
Nature Creation deals in 100% therapy packs that can help in alleviating the physical discomfort caused by tech neck. The Nature Creation Shoulder PLUS Neck Wrap covers the entire length and breadth between the neck, shoulders and upper back, and is particularly helpful for those afflicted with tech neck. Browse through our website to explore more heating pad solutions.