How to Avoid a Stiff Neck

Stiffness in the neck is especially annoying and may last for days or even weeks. It is usually supposed to heal quickly because the cervical spine is durable. But we end up sleeping in a wrong position now and then causing a stiff neck, which can sometimes cause serious problems. It is painful and interferes with your daily movements and affects your sleep as well. The use of painkillers has steadily gone up due to neck problems in the past decade. This problem can be attributed to the excessive use of mobile phones, computers, and other gadgets that compel us to keep the neck at awkward angles. Hunched shoulders while sitting on a desk strains the muscles and soft tissues on the neck. Some of the main reasons for neck and shoulder pain include bad posture, stress, arthritis, and injuries apart from the overuse of technological gadgets.

5 Ways to Avoid a Stiff Neck

• Create a comfortable workspace

Working and that too for 8-10 hours every day is not something that can be avoided. This obviously affects your neck and causes ailments. First of all, stop working on your bed, the purpose of which is only sleeping. Get a good chair with armrests that allows you to place your feet flat on the floor with your knees a little lower than the hips. Keep your back straight and your arms at the level of the keyboard. Make sure your screen is at eye level. Most of all, get up after every hour and stretch a little.

• Reduce the use of your smartphone

Technology has made us its slave and there is no argument for that. Constantly looking down at the phone puts a strain on the muscles since they are pulled in the process. Apart from limiting your time on the phone, try to hold it at eye level. Avoid holding it between your ear and shoulders. Using earphones or headphones while talking is advisable. If you’re always on your phone, set hourly or bi-hourly alarms to remember taking a break.

• Stretch regularly

Many of us go to the gym or for a run but forget to stretch, which is an especially important aspect of exercising. Stretching 5 times a week is a good way to prevent a stiff neck or any body part of the body. Roll your shoulder back and forth at least twice a day. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, stretch your neck toward your shoulder, and do side to side turns. Work out at gyms near you or attend yoga classes and Pilates sessions with FITPASS to stay fit and flexible.

• Avoid long drives

Driving for hours at a stretch is no better than sitting at your desk every day. If you drive for long hours every day, take breaks to stretch. Maintain a good posture while driving; avoid slouching forward, which is quite common. Never use the phone while driving except for using maps because repetitively looking at the phone can seriously strain the neck.

• Improve your sleeping position

Your sleeping position is very important when it comes to your neck and shoulders. Try sleeping on your back or sides instead of your stomach as it strains the neck. If you sleep on your back you can try sleeping without a pillow altogether. However, use a pillow that keeps your spine straight while sleeping on either side.