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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Tuesday:

9:00 AM-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-6:00 pm

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9:00 AM-6:00 pm

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9:00 am-5:00 pm

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Testimonials

  • "SUCCESS!!
    I had been experiencing tightness in my lower left back and buttocks going down the exterior of my left leg for about six months. I tried adjusting my posture and doing frequent stretching exercises. Although the problem didn't get worse, neither did it improve.
    After my first visit with Dr. Rich, I noticed a huge improvement. The pain down my leg reduced by 80% and the tightness in my back and buttocks improved too. Thus far I have had four sessions and continue to feel better with each visit. If not for Dr. Rich's treatments, who knows how long I would have continued living day to day with this irritating constant pain."
    PF
  • "Thank You!!
    I want to thank you all so much for the care I received following my recent motorcycle accident.
    I came to my therapy the following Tuesday with a knot in my back that felt the size of a racquetball. After three sessions of very deep and hard massage it was finally broken up and has not come back since.
    Additionally all the work that Dr. Rich did on my spine, knees, left foot and shoulder joints have both relieved a great deal of pain and resulted in what I believe is an overall improvement in function.
    All in all by the time Dr. Rich recently released me, I feel that my back and joints are in better condition than before the accident. They certainly feel better.
    I cannot thank you enough."
    JKB
  • "I Feel Great!
    I started treatment with Dr. Rich and Christina, his wonderful massage therapist about two months ago. I had an appointment to see the nutritionist and arrived early so someone suggested to get a massage and I shared my neck and shoulder discomfort.
    I ended up being treated by Dr. Rich and he adjusted my neck, back and shoulder and I could not be happier. I never thought that all of my neck, shoulder and back issues would go away. I am a nurse and had been suffering with this pain for about a year. I am now able to work out and use my shoulder. My neck doesn't hurt and I am a happier person.
    Thank you so much Dr. Rich and Christina!"
    OP