We all know that we spend a lot of time in front of screens. Particularly at computers, iPads and phones. Too much time in front of these screens can make it difficult for our eyes. Science has proven that ‘tech neck’ is a very real risk.
How do you know if you have ‘tech neck’? Some of the symptoms of this include: shoulder tension, general aches in upper areas of your body, neck pain, or stiffness in the neck.
These symptoms can be looked over very easily. If you are experiencing them on a regular basis, then it is time to go to a professional.
The good news is, there are a few things that can be done to ease the pain you may be experiencing. These may include: Neck Extensions. These are designed to strengthen and stretch your muscles. Keeping screens at eye level at all times. And some forms of Yoga. We will now have a look in more detail of what the specific signs and symptoms of ‘tech neck’ are.
1. Bad Posture
Many tech devices are held at waist or chest level. This is incorrect. They should all be held at eye level. As a result of this, you are having to look down at the device. This means your shoulders have to be rounded and your neck has to be bent. Both of these postures really are terrible. What you are doing is you are putting your spine in a dangerous position, and your neck muscles are being tightened.
2. Neck Pain
If you have been sitting in front of a computer all day, it is normal to experience a strained, throbbing sensation in your neck. Any form of neck pain experienced on a day to day basis, or even on a weekly basis is a bad sign.
3. Headaches and Migraines
Most people will probably get a headache sitting in front of a screen over a long period of time. When your head is held in an upright position, you are preparing to support a large amount of weight on your body. When you put your head in a forward position, then you are ‘gaining’ weight. It should not be surprising then, that many individual’s will get a headache if their head is in a forward position on a regular basis.
4. Finger Tension and Numbness
If you often have tension and numbness in your fingers then you really should see a medical professional. If you experience this symptom, then it is likely that the condition has progressed. If you do not seek extra help, then the condition may grow worse as days go by. Numbness and fingers in hands comes from the compression of nerves that are located within your neck.
How Then, Can Your Neck Be Protected?
Give your eyes a break from the screen by getting up and moving away. Give your legs a good stretch. Use this time to pay attention to the levels of pain you may be experiencing as well as your posture. Be sure to always keep a good posture. Move your eyes to the screen in front of you. Do not move your shoulders, neck or head. Always do this when you go to watch something on your computer, iPad or phone, or if you need to respond to any emails you may have.
If you suspect you may be experiencing signs and symptoms of tech neck a bit too often, then make an appointment to go and see a medical professional about this. You do not want things to get worse than what they may already be or for the condition to develop further. Always remember, that there is nothing more valuable than your health.
In this article, we have had a brief look at what some of the common signs and symptoms of tech neck are. These signs and symptoms include: Finger tension and numbness, Bad postures, Headaches and migraines and Neck Pain. The good news is there are a few things you can do to protect your neck. These include: Getting up and moving away from your device.
Give your legs a good stretch and always make sure you keep a good posture at all times. If you think you are experiencing these signs and symptoms regularly, then make an appointment with a medical professional.
Sourced from: BUSTLE
Photo: Thinkstock/Ridofranz
