Modern technology has given us a lot of benefits, but those benefits have come at a cost. Namely, a literal pain in the neck.
As the time we spend using smartphones, iPad, and laptops each day has increased, so have incidents of neck aches and pains. These pains are not normal and they’re telling you that there is something wrong.
If you are dealing with aches and pains in the neck and you think your daily technology usage may have something to do with it, a chiropractor can help put you on the road to healing.
Why Devices Cause Neck Pain
The upper cervical spine begins at the base of your skull and runs down your neck. These top seven vertebrae play an important role in carrying the weight of your head. They allow your neck to move and be flexible. The top two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2) allow your head to turn from side to side.
The average head weighs about 12 pounds, but that’s only when you hold your head in a straight, upright position. When you tilt your head forward and look down at a 15-degree angle, it exerts 27 pounds of pressure on the upper cervical spine. That pressure increases to 40 pounds when you hold your head at a 30-degree angle. By the time your head is thrust forward and looking down at a 60-degree angle, it is the equivalent of 60 pounds of pressure placed on those seven little vertebrae.
Consider now the angle at which you hold your head when you’re using your electronic devices. Think about how long you might stay in that position, or how much time you spend with your head looking down during the day.
What You Can Do About Neck Pain
The best way to try and avoid neck pain is to hold your devices up so you don’t have to tilt your head down to look at them. Also, it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks from looking down at your computer or phone. This can help reduce the strain on the upper cervical spine.
Unfortunately, if you’re getting neck pain from using devices, the damage is probably already done. The upper cervical spine is prone to misalignments from poor posture, and the pain may not go away entirely until the vertebrae are realigned.
Fortunately, chiropractors can adjust your spine so that your neck can finally begin to heal. Once adjusted, you should feel some immediate relief, but it only gets better. The inflammation and swelling continue to go down, and the body’s natural healing mechanisms can help repair some damage and restore function.
How We Treat Neck Pain
Dr. Alex Bello of Los Angeles Upper Cervical is an upper cervical specialist and practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique.
Blair practitioners use state-of-the-art technology to make a more precise assessment of your unique anatomy. Once problem areas are pinpointed with 3D diagnostic imaging tools, Dr. Bello uses special, gentle methods to help manipulate the vertebrae and restore your spine’s alignment.
If you are dealing with chronic aches and pains in your neck, know that you don’t have to put up with it anymore. Upper cervical care is a safe, effective, drug-free, non-invasive treatment for your neck pain, allowing your body to heal and strengthen itself simply by putting it right.
Dr. Bello offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.