Physical Therapy in Farmingdale

Seeing that you’re reading this online, it should be no surprise that technology plays a massive part in our lives today. 77% of Americans own a smartphone, and the average American spends 8.5 hours a day in front of a screen. These statistics make it clear how technology has oversaturated our society. This increase in technology usage has given the opportunity for new disorders to arise. Most specifically, tech neck. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tech neck, contact us today to get started with physical therapy in Farmingdale.

What is tech neck?

Tech neck is an increasingly common condition of pain in the neck and back. When we sit using a computer or cell phone, we often have our head tilted downwards to face the screen. This downward tilt adds pressure to the spine. Over time, the spine can change shape, and the added pressure will cause pain.

Do I have tech neck?

With the rapidly increasing population suffering from tech neck, there is a good chance you could be dealing with this painful condition. Here are some signs and symptoms to help identify tech neck:

• Neck pain

• Finger numbness

• Finger tension

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Poor posture

So, I have tech neck. What now?

Tech neck is not only a painful condition, but it can have long-lasting side effects, such as the spine becoming misshapen. For this purpose, it is incredibly important to treat this disorder as soon as possible. Our physical therapy in Farmingdale is a viable and helpful treatment option for tech neck. Along with making your appointment, here are some tips and tricks to get you started on the right path towards decreased neck pain:

• Raise your screen: Instead of lowering your neck to look at your screen, raise your device to eye level. By raising your device to eye level, you can still use it without slouching down.

• Slouch to over-correct: To feel the difference between proper and improper posture, first, slouch down. Then overcorrect your posture by tilting your head all the way back and sitting straight. Fall into a comfortable middle ground of proper posture.

• Chin tucks: Tuck your chin down and tense your neck muscles, then raise your chin back up to neutral.

• Take breaks: Take plenty of breaks when using an electronic device.

• Neck stretches: Stretch out your tense neck muscles with various neck stretches.

• Scapular retractions: Squeeze your shoulders behind you and raise them upwards. Tense all muscles before relaxing them again.

• Physical therapy: Perhaps most important, make an appointment today for professional help with physical therapy.

Tech neck is a painful and serious disorder with growing prevalence. If you feel you may be suffering from tech neck, start physical therapy in Farmingdale today so we can help you take your first steps towards a pain-free future!