If you work in the tech industry, you may find yourself staring into a screen for hours on end. Although eyestrain is undoubtedly a concern, neck and muscle soreness is also commonly experienced by people who work in technology fields. Here is a little more information about tech neck, how it causes neck pain, and what you can do to prevent problems. 

Do: 

Use proper ergonomics. 

If you use a computer for work, you should maintain the correct posture. Sit upright with your feet on the floor and elbows and knees bent at 90-degree angles. You shouldn’t have to crane your neck or lower your chin to see a screen. Tech neck occurs when the muscles are continuously strained, causing pain in the upper back and neck. 

Take breaks. 

Take breaks periodically to give your neck muscles time to rest and recover. Try to take a three-minute break every 20 minutes, and focus on gentle stretching during that time to avoid neck pain. 

Don’t: 

Text with your head down. 

When you look at a screen with your head inclined downward, you put more strain on your back and neck. If you use your phone to text and send emails, lowering your head 60 degrees increases the amount of force on your neck from 10 to 12 pounds to 60 pounds, contributing to neck soreness. 

Be sedentary. 

Exercise helps strengthen neck and back muscles, so hit the gym as often as you can. Focus on cross-training for allover muscular development, which will help you avoid repetitive use injuries, and try to maintain a healthy weight to put less pressure on your muscles.

Regardless of what kind of neck pain you’re experiencing, Advanced Medical and Wellness in Dayton, OH, will help. For more than 20 years, this trusted chiropractic center has been working with clients in Montgomery and Greene counties to improve mobility, correct functional problems, and alleviate pain. Find out more about how they can help by visiting their website or by giving their office a call at (937) 427-2225.