The emergence of technology has revolutionised the way we live our lives. Unfortunately, it has also created a new condition known as “tech neck”. This condition is caused by poor posture and prolonged use of technology which results in neck and shoulder pain. Fortunately, a physiotherapist can help alleviate the pain associated with tech neck. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of tech neck, how a physiotherapist can help and the importance of good posture.
What is tech neck?
With the rise of technology, tech neck is becoming an increasingly common condition. Characterised by pain and tightness in the neck and shoulders, as well as headaches, tech neck is caused by excessive use of technology such as smartphones, tablets and computers. Poor posture, such as looking down at a device for an extended period of time, can increase the risk of developing tech neck.
The good news is that physiotherapists can help alleviate neck pain caused by tech neck by targeting the underlying muscles that are weakened or overused. Through stretches, exercises and postural advice, physiotherapists can help reduce pain and improve posture, as well as provide tips on how to set up a workstation to reduce the risk of developing tech neck in the first place.
Physiotherapists can also provide advice on how to use technology in a less harmful way. This includes taking regular breaks from looking at screens, using larger devices, and making sure the neck is in a neutral position so that the head is not constantly tilted forward. If you are experiencing pain in your neck and shoulders due to tech neck, consulting a physiotherapist can help to reduce your pain and improve your posture.
The effects of tech neck on the rest of your body
The rise of technology has revolutionised the way we live, work, and play. Unfortunately, it has also led to a rise in what is known as “tech neck” – poor posture due to the excessive use of devices such as smartphones and laptops. This poor posture can result in increased tension in the muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to headaches, joint pain, nerve pain, shoulder pain and impingement, lower back and hip pain, and even chronic pain in the neck and upper back.
Weakness in the core muscles can also contribute to tech neck, as poor posture can affect the alignment of the spine, making it difficult to move freely and leading to pain and stiffness. To combat tech neck and ease pain and tension, it is important to address these issues with the help of a physiotherapist.
A physiotherapist can help to identify and address the underlying causes of tech neck, as well as provide targeted treatments such as stretching, strengthening, and soft tissue massage to alleviate pain and tension. They can also provide advice on posture and ergonomics, which can help to reduce the risk of developing tech neck in the first place.
In summary, tech neck can cause a range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms, and it is important to seek treatment from a qualified physiotherapist in order to reduce pain and improve posture. With the right help, tech neck can be managed and even prevented, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of technology without the pain.
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How can a physiotherapist help with neck pain?
Physiotherapists are experts in human movement and can provide treatment to reduce neck pain associated with tech neck. They can assess posture and ergonomics to identify any issues that may be causing neck pain and recommend changes to reduce pain. Physiotherapists can provide manual therapies such as massage and joint mobilisation to reduce tension and pain in the neck and shoulders. They can also provide stretches, exercises, and activities to strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back to reduce pain and improve mobility.
The physiotherapy team at Advantage Physiotherapy can create a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on reducing neck pain and restoring function. This plan can involve exercises to improve postural awareness, strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, and improve flexibility. Stretching exercises can also be beneficial in reducing neck pain, as they help to reduce tension in the neck muscles. The physiotherapist can also provide advice on how to properly use tech devices, such as laptops and phones, to minimize strain on the neck.
By working with a physiotherapist, individuals can learn the exercises and stretches they need to reduce neck pain and alleviate the rise of tech neck. With a tailored treatment plan, individuals can improve their posture, reduce neck pain and improve their overall health.
Book your physio appointment with Advantage Physiotherapy today
Whether you feel you may be suffering from ‘tech neck’ or you need to see a physio about other aches and pains in your body, get in touch with Advantage Physiotherapy today and book your consultation. Our experienced team of physiotherapists will support you with a personalised treatment plan and get to the bottom of your pain before providing a range of treatment options to help you get back to feeling your best in 2023.