Neck pain could be linked to 'Tech Neck'

As the use of technology continues to become more and more popular, we are starting to see some of the consequences of that technology usage. One of those consequences is what has been labeled by doctors as 'tech neck.'

On Thursday, Dr. Chelsea Poland of Poland Chiropractic’s joined the Sunrise 7 team to discuss the cause and prevent of ‘tech neck.’

Whether someone is using a computer, tablet, phone, or other device, often times these products are used with our head being in a forward and/or down position.

The average human head weighs 8 to 10 pounds in a neutral position -- when your ears are over your shoulders. For every inch you tilt your head forward, the pressure on your spine doubles. So if you're looking at a smartphone in your lap, your neck is holding up what feels like 20 or 30 pounds.

The problem, Dr. Poland said, the actions puts extra strain on the neck muscles, and over time this can result in a loss of our normal neck curve, which has now been termed 'tech neck.' While many people recognize that a loss of integrity of the neck joints and muscles can contribute to symptoms like neck pain, tightness, and tension headaches, scientific research is beginning to show how a loss of our normal neck curve, or cervical lordosis, may have many more far-reaching effects. “Recent studies have shown a correlation between poor neck posture and balance, asthma, scoliosis, and decreased blood flow to the brain, just to name a few,” said Poland.

Dr. Poland says if there is a loss of normal cervical curve, chiropractic adjustments and various stretches and exercises have shown to be effective in restoring the normal neck curve over time.