Is Your Smartphone Giving You a Pain in the Neck?

By Olin Ralph On Sep 1, 2022

Do you suffer from neck pain? If you do, there’s a good chance that your smartphone is to blame. Believe it or not, this common device can often lead to discomfort and even pain in the neck.

But don’t worry – there are ways to combat this issue. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the causes of neck pain related to smartphones and offer some tips for prevention.

The types of neck pain that can be caused by smartphones include:

Text Neck: pain in the neck and upper back that is caused by looking down at your phone for extended periods of time.

Tech Neck: a condition that is similar to text neck, but is caused by using computers, tablets, and other devices that require you to look down.

Whiplash: a type of injury that is often caused by car accidents, but can also be caused by looking down at your phone or computer for too long.

Cervical dystonia: a rare condition that causes the muscles in the neck to contract involuntarily, leading to pain and discomfort.

Other potential causes of neck pain that can be related to technology.

How to adjust your smartphone use to prevent neck pain

Place your phone at eye level when you’re using it.

Looking at your phone strains your neck and spine, causing headaches and migraines. So, use your phone at eye level. This reduces physical strain and prevents health issues. You may also want to utilize your phone more creatively. Try utilizing your phone’s viewfinder instead of its screen.

Use the speakerphone or headphones to keep your neck in a neutral position.

You know the feeling of sitting too long. You experience stiffness in your neck and shoulders. If you don’t stop soon, you’ll be stranded all day. Every 20 minutes, get up and walk around. Simple neck and shoulder exercises will do. It relieves pain, improves circulation, and prevents cramping. When your neck and shoulders hurt, stretch them out. It’s worth it.

Take breaks every 20 minutes to move your neck and shoulders around.

Avoid looking down at your phone for long periods of time.

Long-term phone usage may be harmful. Neck pain and headaches might result. Using your phone while walking increases your risk of tripping and falling. Texting and social media may be distracting and draw you away from others. Then what? Set a timer to check your phone. So you don’t waste hours on Facebook. When you’re around friends or family, put your phone in another room to avoid temptation. Finally, be conscious of how frequently you’re glancing at your phone and put it down. These minor tweaks may help reduce screen time’s detrimental impacts.

Stretch your neck and shoulders regularly to prevent tension headaches.

Stress, poor posture, and musculoskeletal abnormalities may trigger tension headaches. Stretching frequently may help avoid tension headaches. This improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and releases stress. Gentle, gradual motions are preferable. Try yoga or Tai Chi. Stretching may reduce headaches and promote health.

See a chiropractor if the pain persists.

The human body is an amazing thing. It’s able to heal itself from all sorts of injuries and ailments. But sometimes, the body needs a little help. That’s where chiropractic therapy comes in. Chiropractors are trained to help people recover from injuries and pain. If you’re dealing with pain that just won’t go away, it’s time to see a chiropractor They’ll be able to assess your situation and develop a treatment plan that can help you find relief.

Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives. While it has many benefits, it can also lead to neck pain. To prevent this, it is important to use your phone at eye level, take breaks every 20 minutes to move your neck and shoulders around, and stretch your neck and shoulders regularly. If the pain persists, see a physical therapist.