With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and other mobile technology, neck problems due to these devices have skyrocketed and have even been referred to as an epidemic. Angling your head forward to browse on your phone, laptop, or tablet has lead to neck, shoulder, and spinal pain in many people. Perhaps most alarming to Walnut Creek Chiropractors are the spinal changes seen in younger and younger people because of this phenomenon.
Looking down as we often do when we’re using our devices stresses the structures of the neck. This includes the spine, the spinal cord, soft tissue (ligaments, tendons, and muscles), as well as the discs that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. Solving this problem is sometimes as easy as breaking some bad habits. Holding the phone at eye level can help to alleviate some of the abnormal stresses on the spine.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Why Won’t My Neck Pain Go Away?
The average weight of an adult’s head is about 11 pounds. That 11 pounds rests upon the topmost vertebra in the neck—the atlas. The atlas is unique. It is shaped and designed to move very differently from the rest of the vertebrae in the spine. Why? Because it is responsible for the majority of the movement of the head, which is what allows one to drive a car, play sports, and do many of the simple day-to-day tasks like washing our hair. When the atlas misaligns, which can happen from extended periods of time looking down at a phone, it causes the weight of the head to shift forward. For every inch that the head shifts forward, it can increase the amount of stress and strain placed on the neck by double the weight of the head. That can add up to a very painful experience.
Aside from correcting your technology browsing posture and habits, addressing this atlas misalignment will help bring relief from neck pain. Realigning the topmost vertebra will allow for the natural bearing of the head over the rest of the spine, distributing the weight of the head evenly. At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic, we address atlas misalignments using the latest in technology and precise, gentle adjustment techniques. Getting the atlas alignment checked and restored back to normal can lead to healing of damaged tissue in the neck and spine and will allow for normal neck movement. This can take care of stubborn neck pain that results from too much time on mobile technology.
Schedule an Appointment or a Free Consultation
Call us at (925) 357-3080 or click on the button below to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.
