Neck pain can influence your daily life, leading to poor sleep quality and low productivity. As a result, understanding how poor habits can aggravate this condition helps alleviate the discomfort. If you've been experiencing neck pain for a while, the following bad habits may worsen your condition. Learn how to address them in the guide below. 

What Causes Neck Pain?

1. Tech Neck

Tech neck is the prolonged use of technology devices that strains neck and shoulder muscles. As a result, this causes headaches, shoulder and neck pain, and eventual loss of the spine's natural curve. The most common poor habits contributing to tech neck include looking down at your smartphone, watching television in a forward posture, and staring at a computer screen in an awkward position. To address these poor habits, start using your mobile devices at an eye level. First, tilt your head on a wall and raise your device to your level to prevent straining the muscles. Additionally, consider investing in a chair with a headrest to maintain a comfortable position during computer use. 

2. Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle weakens the upper back muscles. As a result, the neck muscles become stiff and sore. If you are often seated for work, try seated exercise to increase blood circulation to tissues and relieve strained muscles. First, start sitting properly in your chair with your feet flat on the ground. Next, rest your left arm on the left side of your chair while placing your right hand on the top of your head. Then, gently pull your head to the right for 30 seconds. If you can, incorporate simple stretches such as head rolls and shoulder shrugs to relax your muscles throughout the day.

3. Improper Bag Carrying

Uneven weight distribution causes muscular imbalances. For example, carrying bags on one shoulder forces your posture out of alignment. Additionally, some purses without back support often place heavy pressure on the nerves, leading to numbness. If you carry a top handle bag, avoid placing it at the crook of your shoulder. Instead, alternate holding it if you've been carrying it for a long time. However, if you use a backpack, keep it high on the back by adjusting the shoulder straps to avoid forward posture, which stresses the muscles. 

If you're looking for pain relief for neck and back pains, contact North Pole Chiropractic in Alaska. For over 21 years, this team of chiropractic care experts has provided specialized treatment and occupational rehabilitation to clients throughout the North Pole, AK. In addition, they offer natural healing treatments to alleviate auto injury, chronic ailments, and emotional distress. Call (907) 488-1885 to make your first appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their treatment options.