Tech Neck.

Tech Neck. 

Tech neck is a term used to describe the repetitive strain injury (RSI) that can occur in the neck due to prolonged use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When we use these devices, we often tilt our heads forward and look down at the screen. This eventually puts extra strain on the muscles in the neck and shoulders, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and other problems.

How tech neck happens

The human head weighs about 10-12 pounds. When we tilt our heads forward, the weight of the head increases on the neck muscles. For example, when we tilt our heads forward 30 degrees, the weight of the head increases to about 30 pounds. This extra weight can put a lot of strain on the neck muscles, especially if we are holding our heads in this position for long periods of time.

Over time, the repetitive strain on the neck muscles can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Muscle atrophy
• Nerve damage
• Arthritis of the neck

Preventing tech neck

The best way to prevent tech neck is to limit the amount of time you spend looking down at electronic devices. However, this can be difficult in today’s digital world.

Here are a few tips for preventing tech neck:

• Firstly, hold your devices at eye level. This will help to keep your head in a neutral position and reduce the strain on your neck muscles.
• Furthermore, take breaks throughout the day. If you’re working on a computer or using your phone for long periods of time, get up and move around every 20-30 minutes.
• Finally, strengthen your neck muscles. There are a number of exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders. These exercises can help to improve your posture and reduce your risk of developing this injury.

Treating tech neck

If you already have tech neck, there are a few things you can do to treat it:

• Exercise. Regular exercise can help to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your posture.
• Massage. Massage can help to relieve pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your posture.

Conclusion

Tech neck is a real problem, but it’s also one that can be prevented and treated. By taking the necessary precautions, you can generally protect yourself from the dangers of tech neck and keep your neck looking and feeling its best.

Additional tips:

• Use a headset or speakerphone when talking on your phone. This will help to keep your head in a neutral position.
• Use a laptop stand or riser to raise your laptop screen to eye level.
• Adjust your chair height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when you are typing.

Hope you read this post holding your device at eye level. Hehe!