How to avoid neck, back and shoulder problems due to the computer. Told by a doctor

Both those who spend a lot of time on the computer and those who use a cell phone face this syndrome. This means that this problem can affect anyone today. Let’s find out with an orthopedist what it can be caused by and how to deal with it.

orthopedist of the ORTEKA orthopedic salon chain.

The development of computer neck syndrome is directly related to our lifestyle.

What causes computer neck syndrome

During the day in the office we do not watch our posture and constantly slouch. We take a break from the computer monitor and immediately look at the screen of the phone. We do not part with the latter at home, in cafes, while traveling to work. Improper use of modern gadgets, violation of posture and there are reasons for the development of computer neck syndrome.

How computer neck syndrome manifests itself

When we sit at the computer for a long time, after a while the neck involuntarily takes an unnatural position. We do not even notice how we unconsciously put forward our shoulders, neck and head, leaning closer to the monitor, because we are tired of sitting in one position. If the muscles of the back and neck are weak and untrained, they are not able to hold the body in the correct posture for a long time, so we start to slouch. On how to properly train, if you have bad posture, read in the material at the link.

With a smartphone, the situation is similar. Usually we strongly tilt our head when we look at the screen of the gadget. Such a load leads to compression of the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders and chest, causing pain in these areas of the body, which usually makes itself felt towards the end of the day. The muscles gradually become accustomed to this incorrect position, and as a result, the unnatural posture takes hold. We unconsciously begin to slouch all the time. This condition is called computer neck syndrome.

What is the danger of computer neck syndrome

When the head is tilted, the intervertebral discs of the cervical region are compressed. These are cartilage formations, they connect the vertebrae, of which the basis of the skeleton consists. Constant stay in the wrong position accelerates their wear and tear. Against this background, cervical osteochondrosis can develop. With such a pathology, pain in the neck area begins to bother, in the future growing into chronic.

What to do

In essence, posture is how the muscles hold the body. Since a “computer neck” is not a curvature of the spine, this condition can be corrected. Right now, while you are reading this article, check the position of your neck, shoulders, back and pelvis. They should be at the same level and form a straight line.

You should not put your foot on your leg or under yourself. Make sure your feet rest on the floor with the entire plantar surface. Set your computer monitor at eye level. Increase the font if you have to lean forward to better see text on the screen.

The same goes for your cell phone. Keep the gadget in your hands as far in front of your eyes as possible, don’t put it on your desk. In the office, use an orthopedic pillow under your back. The product helps to keep the spine in a physiologically correct position, so with a pillow it is easier to form a normal posture.

During the day do not sit in one place all the time. Try to take five-minute breaks every hour, move more. Do exercises that include exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck. Read about five suitable exercises in the article at the link.

The better you train your muscles, the easier it will be for them to keep your torso in the right position.

If you are already bothered by neck or back pain, make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, suggest which medical device to choose to correct your posture and reduce pain. Usually in such cases, wearing a Shantz collar, posture corrector is prescribed. The treatment program also includes physiotherapy, kinesiotaping.

The doctor will also develop a set of special therapeutic and preventive exercises to strengthen and relax tense muscles.