Chiropractic Care for our High-Tech Lifestyles

image of woman in pain holding her back while sitting at work

While technology creates many new possibilities for entertainment, connecting with others and getting work done, it also spawns new health problems. Ten years ago, nobody had “text neck.” Now many people are reaping the unwanted musculoskeletal consequences of tech overuse.

“Text Neck”

Instead of holding mobile devices straight out in front of their faces to maintain good posture, most people hold their devices close to their bodies, dropping their heads to see what’s on the screen. Since the average head weighs 10 pounds, constantly dropping it forward hunches your shoulders, inflames tissue in your neck and strains your spine. This technologically induced neck problem is often referred to as “text neck.” Text neck is on the rise with kids and young adults, traditionally an age group that had few spinal problems.

How do you avoid this forward-head posture? Cultivate body awareness. Roll your shoulders back and down. Notice if your head juts forward from your chest. If so, slide it back so your ears are over your shoulders. Check your posture frequently to prevent bad habits from sneaking back into your life. Mobile apps can alert you if your chin slips to an angle that puts you at risk for text neck.

Too Much Sitting

Sitting at the computer for long periods of time causes all the problems of text neck and then some. In addition to a hunched back, you could also be gaining weight, tightening lower body muscles and even shaving years off your life. Many recent scientific studies link a sedentary life to an earlier death. Insufficient physical activity kills about 3.2 million people per year, according to the World Health Organization. This makes it a leading risk factor for mortality.

But most people can’t just quit their desk jobs. Instead, set a timer to remind you to take a two-minute walk every hour. Check your posture throughout the work day. If possible, get a standing desk or one that adjusts between sitting and standing so you can decrease your number of seated hours.

Dry Eyes

People usually blink their eyes about 20 times per minute. Unless they’re sitting at a computer, which drastically reduces blink rate to once or twice each minute. Infrequent blinking can cause your eyes to dry out. What’s the solution? Take more breaks, blink deliberately every so often or use lubricant-only eye drops.

Call Your Chiropractor

Technology affects everybody’s health. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, headaches or eye strain, talk to your chiropractic doctor. In addition to adjusting your spine, a chiropractor can advise you on ergonomic work stations and exercises to decrease your pain and prevent future problems.

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  • "Best I've been to. Passionate about his practice, explains his techniques. Relief every time."
  • "After more than seven years of debilitating back and hip pain, I am finally experiencing near-complete relief due to Dr. LaVelle's expert care. His approach to chiropractic medicine is comprehensive and holistic, and his treatment protocols are based on individuals' needs rather than cookie-cutter responses. Because of Dr. LaVelle's care, I'm once again able to aggressively pursue and enjoy an active lifestyle, including my passion for physical fitness. If you need chiropractic help, I highly recommend this gifted practitioner."
  • "My back feels better than it has in years. Dr. LaVelle suggested preventative measures that I can take such as stretches and additions to my normal workout routine. It's great knowing that there is someone that I can trust to help me live a healthier life."
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  • "Brandon has helped our family tremendously the last few years. I have walked in crying with extremely limited movement and have walked out with great relief. Our children have been receiving adjustments since they were 1 years old."
  • "I don't typically like to plug businesses, but this guy deserves it without a doubt. They got me in as fast as possible and immediately began making things better. I can actually walk again."

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