‘Computer Neck’ is a pretty much self explanatory term for the arching of the top of the neck by people who use computers extensively. It’s caused by having to crane over a keyboard and monitor and used to be an obvious characteristic of a geek. But nowadays computers are a much larger aspect of our lives and many people complain of pain in their necks and this tell-tale shape. However the computer has some new partners in crime.
iPods, iPhones and most recently iPads, as well as Blackberries, Kindles, and any other tablet, smartphone or e-reader are must have gadgets that we so often wrap ourselves around, whether we are sitting with a device in our laps, or standing on the train, head horizontal over the screen. And it’s not our fault, modern gadgets don’t invite themselves to being held up at eye level, rather we adapt to an easier position to let our arms rest. But keeping our arms rested comes at a cost to our necks. Instead of tired arms we have kinked, painful necks.
So what can you, or any of us do, to relieve this pain? You can try breaking decades of habit by lifting everything to your head, or you can work these great exercises into your daily routine, and if you’re an acute sufferer then we’d recommend professional assistance from things like the Alexander Technique, which can help release trapped muscles, a big contributor to neck pain.
