Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, with more and more time spent on devices like laptops and cell phones. As a result, there has been a prominent rise in the prevalence of neck pain in the general population, but especially in younger populations who use technology more often. It isn’t the technology itself, it is the posture that most of us assume when using laptops and cellphones. You know the one, holding your phone close to your chest with your neck craning down at a 90-degree angle.
It may be alright to do this occasionally, but too many people are completely unaware that they are even doing this. Over prolonged periods of time, it can cause serious damage. This 2019 study highlighted by the National Institute of Health, shows a strong correlation between the widespread use of cell phones and the unprecedented rise of neck pain and injury in adolescent populations.
The experts at Maragal Medical have years of experience in diagnosing and treating neck pain. After a comprehensive exam is performed, a unique treatment plan is created that is tailored to your specific needs. Treatment is done in a team approach combining medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic care for the best results possible.
Neck Posture and Positioning
Your spinal column is a very complex system of muscle, tendons, nerves, and bones ( or vertebrae) and there is a correct posture where your spine functions at its best. If this posture is compromised repeatedly or under pressure, you are at a much higher risk for injury as well as structural degradation.
It is possible to sit at a desk to work on your laptop, or hold your phone in front of you and not compromise your neck and back posture. But it requires serious discipline to constantly catch yourself from sitting with poor posture.
When you crane your neck to look down at your phone, not only do you put abnormal strain on the neck muscles, you create uneven pressure on the discs and vertebrae in the neck. Over time, this can create herniations, worn cartilage, or a misalignment in the structure of your neck.
Symptoms
The symptoms you experience are dependant on a few variables such as, how often do you use your phone, the duration of time spent in a compromised posture, pre-existing spinal health conditions, and so on. Some of the more common symptoms are as follows:
- Stiffness
- Difficulty turning your head
- Acute or chronic pain
- Pain that extends into the shoulders or back
- Grinding
- ‘Locking” sensation
Degenerative Conditions
When you compromise the position of your spine, you put yourself at risk of an acute injury or wear and tear that slowly leads to a chronic neck condition. Putting uneven strain on the discs in the spine can cause the cartilage to wear unevenly, leading to the formation of bone spurs as well as herniated or bulging discs. These are very painful and immobilizing conditions that should be taken seriously.
These are conditions that will require intervention if you want to repair the damage and relieve your pain. Treatment is only part of the battle, the other half is making behavioral changes to stop future damage from occurring.
How Maragal Medical Treats Your Neck Pain
In most cases, the team at Maragal Medical design treatment plans that include a combination of different treatment options. Some of the options we may recommend to help with neck pain include:
- Cervical decompression, which reduces pressure on the vertebrae and other structures in your neck
- Intramuscular trigger point injections utilizing a natural product called Sarapin instead of cortisone or lidocaine to safely reduce lactic acid buildup within the muscle which in turn loosens the muscle.
- Chiropractic adjustments to resolve alignment issues
- Physical Therapy to improve posture, movement patterns, flexibility, and strength
Some patients may also benefit from Class 4 Laser. For more information, visit our page on neck pain!
Want to Learn More About Maragal Medical’s Approach to Neck Pain?
If you are experiencing symptoms or are worried about the health of your neck and spine, contact the specialists at Maragal Medical today! The best way to determine which therapy is best for you is to undergo a consultation with one of our experts. Call or book an appointment online today!