Pain in your neck and shoulder can be the result of an accident, such as whiplash injury, but most times, poor daily habits are the primary cause. Here are a few ways that you could be causing extra stress on your neck and shoulders:
- You look down at your phone or tablet too often –
We refer to this cause of pain as “Tech Neck” and it’s very common nowadays. A slight 15 degree forward head posture will add a whopping 27 lbs of pressure on your neck! Limit time on your devices or raise the device to eye level to help remedy this.
- You have poor sleep posture –
Stomach sleepers tend to have a lot of neck pain. The best sleep position is on your back with a pillow beneath your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees. Your head should be aligned with your spine. Avoid using multiple pillows to limit stress to your neck.
- You carry a heavy purse, backpack, or briefcase –
The added weight to one side of your body will cause an imbalance- generating pain and stiffness in your neck and/or shoulders. Limit the weight of items that you carry with you and switch arms often. When carrying a backpack, make sure you’re using both straps to distribute the weight more evenly.
- Poor desk habits –
If you’re workstation is not ergonomically adjusted, you’ll feel it in your neck and shoulders. Your computer monitor should be aligned at eye level- so you’re not looking up or down at the screen. Make sure that your keyboard and mouse height allow your shoulders to hang relaxed. Also, be sure you’re not cradling a phone between your shoulder and ear. Consider a wireless headset if you must spend long hours on the phone.
For a more in-depth look at neck pain, check out this video. Should you find yourself needing treatment, chiropractic is a proven-effective health care option for neck and shoulder pain. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.
