We often take an unnatural stance when we look at our cell phones, laptops, and the like. This can cause a stiff neck known as technical neck. In the past, the smartphone was mainly responsible for such neck pain. When we were forced to work from home due to the coronavirus, the laptop was the biggest culprit of this phenomenon. “Since the pandemic, tension in the neck area has increased in many patients,” says Kyle McChurch, 37, a specialist chiropractor at the chiropractic Diepoldsau SG practice.
The expert explains the event as follows: Whether we are looking down at a laptop screen or a mobile phone, we are creating unnecessary stress for our spine, muscles and intervertebral discs. This is very inconvenient for our cervical spine, as McChurch explains: “Our skull weighs about four to five pounds. But when our head is tilted forward, we put five to six times more weight on our tendons, muscles, and discs.”
Why are you getting Tech Neck?
When working in an unsuitable workplace, people experience more neck and shoulder problems. There can also be psychological stress that affects many people. Due to stress, many take an extra load.
Typical technical neck symptoms
Many patients with a typical technical neck complain of neck and shoulder tension, headaches and sometimes even stiff neck. According to McChurch, symptoms range from the base of the skull to the middle of the scapula.
Patients then stretch the muscles, usually by tilting their head to the side, bending them toward their chest, or pulling them back. However, the expert masseur warns: “Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach! The muscles are weak due to the unfavorable head position and the head is already tilted forward too much.”
dealing with complaints
To counteract stiff neck, it’s worth setting up a standing desk. This also applies to the home. man eg. B. Place the laptop on the dresser. It also helps you raise the screen with a shoebox or book and keep the mouse and keyboard closer to you.
Whether at the office or at home, set up an alarm clock to do some yoga exercises, push-ups, or jumps on a regular basis. A brisk walk outside is also a good idea.
When it comes to neck and shoulder stretches, the expert says it helps to stretch your arms up, stare at the ceiling, and firmly focus on expanding your pectoral muscles. McChurch adds: “You can also slowly turn your head from left to right five times. That’s usually better than a quick yawn.”
If joint congestion occurs, ice should ideally be placed on the joints for ten minutes. According to the expert, this is often more effective than a heat patch that only works against tense muscles.
“If symptoms do not go away after three days and do not improve despite precautions, you should usually see a specialist,” cautions McChurch.