Tech Neck: What is it? How to Prevent and Treat It.
“Tech Neck!”
What are the chances you're reading this article from a computer, laptop, or handheld device? Almost 100%, right? As much as electronic devices make our work easier by enhancing access to information, communication, researching, and storing crucial data, they may be detrimental to our health when used excessively.
Tech neck is the stiffness, soreness, and pain you usually feel in your shoulders and neck after using your phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Tech neck also causes horizontal neck creases, deep lines, and folds visible when your neck is exposed.
Good news: you can prevent or treat the condition before it gets worse.
How Do We get Tech Neck and Lines in Our Neck?
Tech neck occurs when you flex your cervical spine, resulting in pain in the upper back.
The following are some of the early signs of tech neck:
- Mild upper back and neck pains
- Stiffness or excruciating pain in the neck
- Headache
- Reduced shoulder/neck region mobility
- Neck strains
N/B: Tech neck pain is quite specific and only affects the upper back. If you're experiencing pain that doesn't match the signs above, the chances are that you're suffering from something else, and you should consult a healthcare specialist as soon as possible.
Did you know that tech neck also causes necklines or wrinkles? Flexing or moving your neck up and down causes creasing, and these creases turn into fine lines and wrinkles over time.
How to Prevent Tech Neck and Lines
Stretch
Stretching is a quick and easy activity that's very effective at relieving stress and tension in your muscles. Stretching prevents potential injuries, and enhances mobility. Follow the following corner stretch steps to relieve muscle tension:
- Stand approximately 2-feet away from a corner wall with your feet held together.
- Touch each wall with your forearms while keeping your elbows below shoulder height.
- Stretch forward as far as possible and hold for 30-60 seconds per session.
- Stretch 3-5 times before resuming work
Opt for a Chair with a Headrest
Sitting on a chair with a headrest while using your phone or computer eliminates tech neck pain naturally. It provides the much-needed support to your cervical spine by lifting the excess weight off of your neck. Also, fitting your head in the headrest promotes an upright posture as it helps you avoid moving your neck backward or forward.
Stay Hydrated
Cervical spine disks are largely filled with water, so dehydration causes pressure and tension causing pains like sciatica and tech neck. Aim at drinking at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your body well hydrated.
Place Your Device at Eye Level
Make a habit of holding the phone in front of your face and looking straight at it. For computers and laptops, you can use a monitor stand or invest in a standing desk to prevent neck flexion- a major cause of tech neck.
How to Treat Tech Neck and Lines
Botox
Neck Botox is used to treat fine lines and delay early signs of aging by eliminating wrinkles caused by constant neck flexion or tech neck. Botox is also believed to relieve chronic neck pain. Botox works by temporarily and partially paralyzing muscles underneath the skin, ultimately preventing wrinkles. Skin appear smoother and fine lines are softer or even unnoticeable.
Anya & Aidin Neck Restoration Complex
Treating your neck nightly and using a good UV protection product every morning will not only reverse damage, but prevent damage to your neck before it ever starts. Utilizing anti-oxidant and anti-aging ingredients such as Vitamin C, B3, and Retinoic Acid, like those found in our own Neck Restoration Cream, will improve the contour and appearance of your neck, as well as enhance your jaw line. With continued use, you will gradually see tighter definition and fading of horizontal neck bands while also treating skin laxity. Red and brown discoloration on your neck will improve with time.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
You can fill fine neck lines with hyaluronic acid fillers like Versa, Juvederm, and Restylane. Fillers immediately add volume and stimulate cells to make new collagen and elastin, making fine lines smoother and less visible.
Micro-needling with PRP
Micro-needling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a procedure that enhances collagen production by causing micro-injuries to your skin using fine needles. It also involves the application PRP. PRP contains cytokines and growth factors which aid in wound healing eliminating neck wrinkles and fine lines.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the outer skin layer of your neck causing it to peel off. If you have fine lines or wrinkles resulting from tech neck, this is a treatment to help exfoliate and regenerate the skin so it appears smoother. Peels also help in eliminating age spots, scarring, and acne.
Conclusion
You can take proactive measures like stretching and keeping hydrated to prevent neck soreness, stiffness, or pain that often results from using a tech device. There are also advanced treatments like micro-needling with PRP, and Botox for chronic neck pains and for aesthetic improvements. Schedule your consultation today.