Poor posture is one of the main causes of neck pain in the United States. Correcting your posture can reduce neck pain as well as prevent future pain from developing. Unfortunately, correcting your posture can be difficult to do if you’ve been using poor posture for a long time.
Below are some simple tips to keep in mind for improving your neck posture. After a few days of making these changes, you should notice an improvement in the condition of your neck:
Sit up straight
Many of us slouch in our chairs when we sit. This and other poor sitting habits like leaning your head forward are major contributors to neck pain.
When you sit with poor posture, you remove much of the support your spine provides your neck and head. This puts additional strain on the muscles and soft tissue in the neck, which is painful and limits your range of motion.
Practice sitting up straight to provide more support for your spine and neck. Sit with your chin held high and your ears parallel with your shoulders. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and adjust your chair (if possible) to where your hips and knees are at the same height.
Stand up straight
If you slouch in your chair, you probably slouch while standing too. Stand up like you normally do and pay attention to how you hold your body. Is your back hunched? Is your head hanging forward? Do you tense up your shoulders? All of these contribute to pain in the neck.
Stand up with your head held high and your ears parallel with the shoulders. Keep your back straight and relax your shoulders.
Bring the screens up
One reason many of us sit or stand with our heads leaning forward or downward is because of technology. When using smartphones or computer, we look down at screens for long periods of time, which strains the neck muscles.
When using a smartphone, try holding the phone higher so you don’t have to crane your neck. When using your computer, readjust the screen height to eye level so you can maintain a better posture.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for neck pain treatment
If you’ve tried correcting your posture and still have neck pain, you may have a more serious condition that requires professional health care treatment. At Whatcom Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experienced in treating many types of neck pain, including:
- Muscle strains
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis and more
Contact our team today to learn more about physical therapy for neck pain or to schedule an initial appointment.
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