If you ever experience neck pain after a long day in front of your computer or an extended period of texting on your phone, you aren't alone. Such technology-related discomfort has become so common that chiropractors have coined a term for it: tech neck. While you don't want to forego modern-day conveniences like your tablet, you certainly don't want to deal with unwelcome pain. The great news is that tech neck is largely preventable. Find out more about the condition in the following guide.

What Is Tech Neck?

Whether you're using a laptop, tablet, or phone, you tend to tilt your head forward and look down when scrolling or watching videos on technological devices. This puts immense strain on the neck muscles, which have to work harder to support the weight of the head, in addition to the extra force that comes with tilting it downward. It can also cause misalignment of the vertebrae, stressing the surrounding ligaments and tendons or pinching nerves.

How Can You Prevent Tech Neck?

Tech neck is generally characterized by an aching in the lower neck, upper back, and shoulders. This may be accompanied by headaches, reduced mobility, and stabbing pains in a localized area. Some people may experience tingling in their arms or hands, which results from irritated nerves surrounding affected areas of the spine.

Practicing good posture can help prevent these symptoms. If you use a computer, set the monitor up high enough that it's in your line of sight, keeping you from craning to look down. When using a phone or tablet, hold it up at eye level. Wearing an activity tracker that reminds you to get up and move can also help avoid prolonged periods of neck tension. The best solution for tech neck is limiting your screen time. There are apps you can download and certain features in cellphone settings that can help you cut back.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Neck Pain?

Chiropractors can help address misalignment of the vertebrae through chiropractic manipulations. They will adjust the spinal column to ensure it's straight, alleviating stress on attached muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They can also work with you to correct your posture, minimizing the risk of future tech neck incidents. A physician can teach you stretches and exercises to incorporate throughout the day to help reduce symptoms.

If you're struggling with neck pain, turn to American Health Chiropractic in Milford, OH, for help. These professionals take a holistic approach to chiropractic care, targeting not only your discomfort but also the root cause. Their chiropractors have more than 25 years of experience helping patients throughout Cincinnati deal with everything from whiplash to tech neck. Find out more about their services online, and call (513) 576-6699 to schedule a free consultation.