Pain In The Neck

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Apr 2007 09:54 AM

What is your greatest cause of neck pain (your three rambunctious children under the age of four don't count)? Seriously, think about it. Does your neck hurt from the amount of time you spend on your computer? Or is it from the amount of time you spend on your cell phone, or looking down at your BlackBerry, iPod, or handheld video game?

According to the American Chiropractic Association, we are a nation addicted to electronic gadgets, which can put unneeded pressure on our shoulders and neck. Chiropractors say they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people complaining of pain as a result of using handheld devices.

I certainly have experienced neck pain from spending hours at the computer, but until now didn't realize how much looking down at electronic gadgets such as iPods could worsen neck, back, and shoulder problems. Doctors say the longer you tilt your head down, the harder your muscles need to work to keep you from falling forward. The way I understand it, the bones work in conjunction with the muscles and their actions, and when you stress one of those areas you can start feeling pain from the back of your neck to the tip of your fingers.

If you are suffering from neck or shoulder pain and consult a chiropractor you will likely be told to bring in your favorite handheld device at the time of the exam. A doctor will then assess the way you hold it. Most doctors say they can see almost immediately what the cause of your pain is based on the position you hold the gadget.

To help alleviate pain that comes from looking down at these devices doctors suggest holding them at eye level. They also recommend trying to limit the amount of time you spend with your head down looking at a specific gadget. In addition, doctors advise starting a regimen to include a few exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back and neck.

Good advice, but for me it's not the exercises that would do me in--it's the challenge to remember to bring the electronic device up to my eyes. After all, old habits die-hard.

Does constantly looking down at your BlackBerry cause you back and neck pain?

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Managing Chronic Pain

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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