Maybe you’ve heard the phrase that “sitting is the new smoking.” According to numerous studies on the growing phenomenon of sedentary lifestyles, people are spending more and more time at their desks and hunched over tablets and smartphones. The result is a growing number of health problems and issues with pain, such as “text neck.”
At Republic Spine and Pain, our team of pain management doctors and specialists offer a range of treatment and rehabilitation options at two convenient locations in Austin and Georgetown, Texas.
Smartphones and tablets have revolutionized life as we know it, but spending so many hours hunched over a digital device and typing away at a desk takes a toll on our physical health and well-being. Like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to your posture until you start to feel pain or stiffness in your neck.
It can be easy to lose track of your posture during endless Zoom calls and scrolling on your phone or tablet. Here are some tips and tricks to improve your posture and lower your risk of developing neck and back pain:
Sitting for too long can have several negative effects on your health, including your posture. If you work at a desk or spend a lot of time on your devices, try to schedule regular breaks (once every 90 minutes if possible) to stand up and stretch.
Slouching is a source of bad posture. When your shoulders are slumped for long periods, it also puts your neck out of alignment. Keep your shoulders back and your neck straight when you’re sitting.
We tend to focus on the upper body when thinking about good posture, but a strong and stable core plays an important role in keeping your spine and neck in alignment. A strong core also supports your lower back when you’re exercising or engaging in any physical activity and while you’re at rest.
Regular core exercises will tone your abs and improve your posture and spine health!
Stretching can literally be done anywhere, from your desk at work to a pilates or yoga class. Throwing in a few neck and shoulder rolls throughout the day can help to prevent many cases of neck stiffness!
While bad posture and sedentary living are common culprits, neck pain can also be a symptom of an injury. If you develop neck pain after an accident or sports injury, contact us right away. If you have neck or back pain that lasts more than a week and doesn’t improve with rest, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will design a pain management plan that’s right for you.
You don’t have to accept neck, back, or joint pain as a normal part of life. For more information about pain management plans and treatment options, contact Republic Spine and Pain today to schedule an appointment at our Austin or Georgetown, Texas locations.
