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In today’s world, where technology is an important part of every business, mobile devices and computers play an important role. Of course, that often means sitting for many hours, in sometimes uncomfortable positions, resulting in severe neck pain. Although most people won’t suffer severe neck injuries by sitting at their desk, it’s necessary to take precautions to prevent future health issues. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your neck in top shape. They are simple and can be used anytime.
Keep the Right Posture
When you are not using a proper posture, the ligaments that are part of the neck are strained and can get damaged. If your head is slanting forward, leaving the shoulders behind, the muscles in the neck will experience a tremendous amount of tension. Moreover, the strain placed on the spine as the upper back leans forward can cause severe discomfort.
The right posture is essential to keep the muscles of your neck relaxed. You must keep your head and shoulders properly aligned at all times. Maintaining proper posture throughout your workday is especially important if you’ve ever suffered any type of spinal or neck trauma due to an auto accident, sports, or other activity. Improper neck and spinal alignment can often go unnoticed, causing other ailments or pain. Be sure to visit a doctor or chiropractor to determine the best posture for you to prevent further injury.
Drink Water Regularly
How can drinking water reduce strain on the neck? Well, it turns out hydration is necessary to keep your spine in good shape, and that means less neck pain. Between each vertebra, there is a small disc that provides flexibility to the vertebral column. These discs consist mostly of water and are key to diminish the tension in the neck. To remain hydrated, drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
Also, remember to have a water bottle at your side, so you can take a sip as soon as you feel thirsty. If you have a hard time getting enough water each day, consider tracking your intake. After a while, it will become a habit and you won’t be able to go without your daily 64 ounces of water.
Utilize a Hands-free Device
If your work requires you to spend a significant amount of time on the phone, there are a few things you can do to lower the chances of a strained neck. First, refrain from speaking with your head tilted to the side. Also, use technology in your favor. There is no need to hold the phone when you use it. Earpieces and headsets are excellent alternatives to keep your neck at ease while you talk.
Optimize Your Texting
Almost everybody looks down when they are texting. Do this for a long time, and you will strain the muscles, ligaments and even the discs found in your neck. The tension produced is not only painful but can also cause degeneration of the neck’s tissues. Still, there are ways to text without endangering your health. Raising and keeping your device at eye level, taking breaks, and reducing the amount of time texting can decrease the tension in the neck, allowing you to feel less strained.
As you can see, even if you work long hours in front of a computer, you can prevent a strained neck. You don’t have to make drastic changes or do anything complicated. As long as you keep the right posture, keep yourself hydrated, take advantage of hands-free devices, and make small adjustments to the way you text, you can minimize neck-related problems and enjoy better health.
