Did you know that 1 in 3 adults is affected by neck pain every year? As we all spend more time looking at screens than ever before, neck pain continues to rise in prevalence. Poor posture exacerbates this issue and can even contribute to chronic neck pain over time.
Read on to learn more about the link between poor posture and neck pain.
How Does Poor Posture Contribute to Neck Pain?
When the spine is in proper alignment, the head is in a straight line with the shoulders and hips, with the neck muscles relaxed. This position encourages balanced weight distribution and prevents muscle strain.
However, with day-to-day stressors and responsibilities, it can be difficult to maintain proper posture at all times. If you work at a computer screen or often look at your smartphone, you may lean your head forward and slouch, forcing the spine out of its normal alignment. This position also affects your neck muscles, causing some to stretch while others become tense.
In the short term, poor posture can cause neck discomfort from muscle tension and soreness. However, over time, keeping the neck out of its normal alignment increases the impact on your spinal structures, like the spinal discs and joints. The impact accelerates spinal degeneration, potentially contributing to conditions like:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
Tips to Improve Your Posture
Improving your posture will protect your spine and diminish your risk of persistent neck pain. Implement these tips to make posture a priority:
- Adjust your desk surface to keep your screen eye-level. This will prevent slouching or straining to look at your screen.
- Keep a written reminder to improve your posture at your desk or anywhere you spend a lot of time. Sometimes, we just need a reminder to stand up tall!
- Stay aware of “tech neck” – the term used for neck pain from looking down at your smartphone.
At Regenerative Orthopedic Institute, we’re here to help you overcome neck pain without the need for surgery or ongoing medication use. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!