Is Working from Home a Pain in Your Neck? We Can Help

If you work a desk job, you might be familiar with the neck pain that comes with using a computer for hours every day. Working from home with a laptop can make matters worse, especially if you’re sitting in bed or on a couch.

If persistent neck pain hinders your ability to work comfortably, a specialist can help you find a solution.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, we can identify the source of your neck pain and help you manage your condition to prevent flare-ups.

How working from home can cause neck pain

Everyone experiences neck pain from time to time, but the rise of computers, laptops, and smart devices has led to a dramatic increase in reports.

The term “tech neck” has come to describe the phenomenon, and it’s only gotten worse since more people began working from home and relying on technology. That’s because poor posture adds weight to your head, straining your neck muscles.

Your head typically weighs 10-12 pounds, but angling your neck 45 degrees adds up to 50 pounds. Hunching over a smartphone makes it even worse, causing your head to weigh the equivalent of 60 pounds.

Preventing work-related neck pain

One of the best ways to prevent neck pain is to be careful how you hold your head. Whenever you find yourself typing or texting, take a moment to check your posture. Your neck shouldn’t be angled, and your shoulders should be held back, straightening your spine.

Maintain these healthy habits to prevent tech neck:

Hold your phone up while scrolling or texting
Don’t hold your phone between your ear and shoulder
Place laptops on tables or trays
Invest in an ergonomic desk and chair

Also, take frequent breaks while working to walk around and stretch; if it helps, set an alarm to remind you.

As you get used to sitting properly, your posture naturally improves. That helps alleviate neck pain and prevent wear-and-tear on your cervical spine.

However, if your neck pain persists despite your best efforts, it might be time to consult a specialist. Your pain might be due to something more serious.

Neck pain causes and treatments

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics, our team works with each patient to determine what’s causing their neck pain and which treatments can reduce it.

Common causes of neck pain include:

Muscle strains and tension
Compressed nerves
Wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis)
Injury to the spinal discs
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical stenosis
Whiplash

Once we’ve diagnosed the cause of your neck pain, we can put together a treatment plan that suits your needs. We offer a range of treatments, such as: