Michigan Parents Need To Start Taking ‘Tech Neck’ Seriously

Like it or not, technology isn't going anywhere.

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More and more each day, kids all the way up to grandparents are spending more time on smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

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These technological advances seem great, but there is also a silent problem that is affecting adults and kids alike, which could lead to permanent damage with no way to fix it.

Michigan Parents Need To Start Taking 'Tech Neck' Seriously

The human head weighs a lot; every day, you're carrying around the equivalent of a giant bowling ball on your neck and shoulders.

That much weight is perfectly fine if you're properly aligned.

However, with modern technology and everyone constantly using smartphones, laptops, and tablets, "Tech Neck" or "Text Neck" is causing some major issues.

These can start with symptoms of neck pain and headaches, and if not addressed, they can get much worse.

What Are The Symptoms of 'Tech Neck'

The first symptoms of tech neck are fairly common and there is a good chance you've experienced them.

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Soreness or tightness in the shoulders
• Headaches or migraines
• Reduced mobility in the neck
• Tingling or numbness in the arms if nerves are affected

If not addressed tech neck can lead to some painful problems.

• Herniated discs
• Pinched nerves
• Chronic muscle strain
• Cervical osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease

So now that we know what tech neck is and how bad it can get if left untreated let's go over some things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place.

• Maintain proper posture by keeping screens at eye level.
• Take frequent breaks from device usage.
• Perform neck stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles.
• Use ergonomic workstations to reduce strain

As someone who is constantly on their computer and cell phone, I was worried about my posture and decided to visit a chiropractor to get things checked out.

I'm glad I did, because I'm starting to develop arthritis in my lower neck from leaning forward, but it's not too late to prevent further damage.

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Technology isn't going anywhere, so it's up to us to ensure we're using it properly.