Whether we’re texting, surfing or posting, it’s easy to quickly adopt forward head posture. This type of posture, which is also referred to as “tech neck,” means that the device user is hunched forward and looking down at the screen.
Given the massive amounts of time everyone spends on their digital devices daily it’s not surprising that many people develop pain or discomfort due to pressure on the neck and spine from forward head posture.
Problems That Can Arise
Here are some of the issues you may experience as a result of forward head posture:
- Headaches
- Hunchback
- Jaw problems
- Lower back pain
- Neck tension
- Numbness in the upper arms
- Shoulder pain
Our Approach to Addressing Posture
The good news is that chiropractic care may help to correct forward head posture.
The first step is performing a postural analysis to determine how to best address your forward head posture. We can recommend certain exercises and stretches to get your body back in proper alignment. By performing these exercises multiple times a day, your posture can be corrected over time.
The Importance of Changing Habits
You also can overcome forward head posture with some easy actions:
Refrain from looking down to use your devices. Instead, hold your phone in front of your face versus in your lap.
Raise your computer monitor to eye level. If you use a laptop, consider investing in a separate keyboard so you can elevate your laptop while still being able to type in comfort.
Adjust your workstation. Purchase a desk chair that supports the back of your head and reclines 25 to 30 degrees. You also may want to consider using a standing desk or ergonomic workstation.
Spread out your digital tasks. While it may be tempting to squeeze in all of you your digital “to-dos” such as emailing and texting, set reminders on your smartphone or smartwatch for specific intervals throughout the day. Doing so allows you to tackle your digital work in increments.