What Causes Tech Neck and How Acupuncture Can Help
With the advance of technology, many of us often find ourselves spending many hours a day on our smartphone – checking emails, scrolling social media, playing games. But while these devices have given our lives the freedom to be more mobile and connected to others, they are also affecting our health.
"Tech neck" is a relatively new term used to describe the pain and stiffness that can result from spending long hours looking at a computer or smartphone screen. Several factors can contribute to tech neck, including:
- Poor posture: Holding your head in a forward position for long periods of time can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain and stiffness.
- Repetitive motions: Repeatedly looking down at a screen or typing on a keyboard can cause muscle fatigue and strain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Lack of movement: Staying in one position for too long can contribute to muscle tension and stiffness. Taking frequent breaks to stretch and move can help prevent tech neck.
- Incorrect ergonomics: Poorly designed workstations or incorrect positioning of computer monitors or chairs can contribute to poor posture and muscle strain.
- Stress: Stress can cause muscle tension and lead to poor posture, which can contribute to tech neck.
These are a few of the factors that can increase the pain from “tech neck” but what part of the body does this condition affect the most? The middle scalene is a muscle in the neck that runs from the second cervical vertebrae to the first rib. It is one of several muscles that can contribute to tech neck when it becomes tight and overworked.
When you spend long hours looking at a computer or smartphone screen, you tend to hold your head in a forward position, which can strain the neck muscles, including the middle scalene. Over time, this can lead to tightness and trigger points in the muscle, which can cause pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
So, what can you do to prevent tech neck and how can we help treat the symptoms?
To prevent tech neck, it is important to practice good posture, take frequent breaks to stretch and move, and set up your workstation in an ergonomically correct manner. If you already have tech neck, there are several treatments available, including acupuncture, massage, stretching, and exercises to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles.
Acupuncture is very helpful for treating Technology Neck - "Tech Neck”. Deb is been trained extensively and has 12 years of experience with pain management techniques. Huatuojiaji points are important release points along the para-spinal points up and down the spinal column. Similar muscle release points on the neck and shoulders are needled in order restore the muscles to a balanced health.
Acupuncture may be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as massage, stretching, and exercises to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles. When you come to Earley Wellness we will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.