In today’s digital age, poor posture has become an increasingly common problem. Many of us spend hours each day hunched over computers, phones, and tablets, leading to a host of musculoskeletal issues, including chronic neck pain. As a leading neck pain treatment provider in Brooklyn, we’re here to explain the connection between posture and neck health, and share some tips for finding relief.

How Poor Posture Affects Your Neck

Your cervical spine, which runs from the base of your skull to your shoulders, is designed to support the weight of your head in a neutral position. When you consistently hold your head forward or downward, as many people do while using digital devices, it places extra stress on the cervical vertebrae, discs, and surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Over time, this can lead to:

  • Muscle strain and tension
  • Joint stiffness and restricted range of motion
  • Disc degeneration or herniation
  • Nerve compression or irritation
  • Headaches

In fact, every inch of forward head posture can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds (Hansraj, 2014).

Common Posture Problems

Some of the most common posture-related issues we see as a chiropractor in Brooklyn include:

“Text Neck”

Tilting your head down to view your phone or tablet for prolonged periods, often resulting in upper back and neck pain.

Forward Head Posture

Jutting your chin forward and holding your head in front of your shoulders, rather than aligned with them. Studies have found that forward head posture is strongly associated with neck pain, with a prevalence of up to 71% (Kang, 2015).

Rounded Shoulders

Allowing your shoulders to roll forward and your upper back to hunch, often due to weakness in the middle back and tightness in the chest.

Posture and Neck Pain Statistics

The scope of the problem is significant:

  • Approximately 54% of adults have neck pain for three months or longer (Deyo, 2013)
  • Poor posture is among the most common causes of neck pain, along with age-related wear and tear and previous injuries (Genebra, 2017)
  • Office workers who spend long hours at desks are at particularly high risk for posture-related neck pain (Vujcic, 2018)

Preventing Posture-Related Neck Pain

While neck pain is a common problem, the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent and manage it. Dr. Priyank Patel of Brooklyn Chiropractic Care recommends:

  • Maintaining proper ergonomics when working at a desk or using digital devices. Keep your screen at eye level, elbows bent to 90 degrees, and feet flat on the floor.
  • Taking regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around. Aim for at least a couple minutes every half hour.
  • Performing daily posture exercises to strengthen your core, upper back, and neck muscles. Your chiropractor can recommend specific movements.
  • Staying active with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga. Regular exercise helps keep your joints and muscles healthy.
  • Using proper pillow support and sleeping positions. Aim to keep your cervical spine in neutral alignment.

When to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain

While the above self-care strategies can go a long way, sometimes professional help is necessary to overcome chronic neck pain and posture problems. Consider scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor if:

  • Your neck pain persists for more than a couple weeks despite home care
  • Your pain is severe or limits your daily activities
  • You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands
  • You’ve recently experienced a trauma like a car accident or sports injury
  • You want a full postural assessment to identify areas for improvement

Chiropractic Treatment Options

At Brooklyn Chiropractic Care, we offer a range of evidence-based neck pain treatment options, including:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to realign your cervical vertebrae and relieve pressure on nerves and discs
  • Soft tissue therapy like massage and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and guarding
  • Posture correction exercises and stretches to retrain your muscles and promote healthier alignment
  • Ergonomic guidance for your home and work environment
  • Recommendations for supportive office chairs and sleeping pillows to reduce strain

Research shows that chiropractic care can be highly effective for treating neck pain and dysfunction, often producing clinically significant improvements in pain, disability, and range of motion (Scimone, 2019).

Get Relief from Neck Pain in Brooklyn

If you’re tired of living with chronic neck pain and poor posture, our experienced chiropractic team is here to help. Contact Brooklyn Chiropractic Care today at (347) 625-1246 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and get on the path to lasting relief. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address the root causes of your symptoms and help you achieve your wellness goals.

Brooklyn Chiropractic Care
Dr. Priyank Patel
112 Greenpoint Ave. STE 1B
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (347) 625-1246