We twist, turn and bend our neck countless times throughout the day, so if your neck is sore or painful, your whole day can be full of discomfort. Oftentimes we don’t even realize how much strain we’re putting on our neck when we do some simple actions, and if we’re not aware of how our posture can contribute to neck problems, our underlying issue may never fully resolve. With that in mind, we wanted to use today’s blog to showcase some of the daily habits you may be doing that may be making your neck pain worse or setting you up for discomfort down the road.
Check out this list and see if you’re guilty of any of these actions that can contribute to spine pain. If so, work to make some self corrections or sync up with a spine specialist like Dr. Jackman to help get your neck issues treated.
Too Much Smartphone Scrolling
Smartphones are amazing in the sense that you can look up information and get in contact with others at the push of a button, but most people have extremely poor posture when they are using their cell phone. Considering that many people spend an hour or more on their phones each day, all this extra strain on your neck can take its toll. Instead of leaning forward to look at your phone when it’s in your lap, try to have it more out in front of you so that your neck can stay positioned above your shoulders. Otherwise you may be setting yourself up for bulging or herniated discs in the cervical spine.
Our Car Posture
We oftentimes try to find a position that’s comfortable for our lower back when we’re driving, but we also need to make sure that our neck is in a healthy position. Many people drive for hours each week, and if your neck isn’t in a healthy position during your drive time, the trip will be stressful on your spine. Again, strive to have your head positioned directly above your shoulders so that your neck alone isn’t supporting the weight of your head. Being overly reclined in your seat or hunched forward will put added pressure on your neck.
How You Sleep
The average American spends a third of their life asleep, so if you’re not in a healthy position when you lay down at night, this resting period isn’t going to be easy on your spine. Pillows that are too thin or too thick can push your neck out of a natural alignment, meaning that it is handling stress when you’re sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach also tends to be harder on your neck and spine than other sleeping positions, so be mindful of your sleeping situation and talk with your doctor about how you can make sleep a restorative experience for your body.
Your Accessories
Our accessories can also cause problems for our neck and spine. If you have an overly heavy purse that you regularly wear over one shoulder or you have a backpack that hangs too far down off your back, your neck and shoulders have to bear this irregular strain. Here are some tips for making sure your accessories don’t cause spinal problems:
- Wear a backpack with two straps, one for each shoulder.
- Make sure your backpack is adjusted to the right height. It should sit just above your lower back.
- Declutter your purse to make it lighter, and don’t always wear it on the same arm.
- Remove your wallet from your back pocket if you’ll be sitting or driving for an extended period.
- Distribute weight evenly when carrying grocery or shopping bags in both arms.
If you can keep these four tips in mind, we’re confident that you’ll be helping to prevent neck soreness and injuries. And if you’re dealing with new or existing neck pain, make sure you pick up the phone and give Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute a call today at (651) 430-3800.
