Easy Tips for Neck, Back, and Shoulder Comfort (Part 1 of 3)
Look Up! How a Simple Habit Can Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain
Do you often find yourself hunched over your phone, computer, or a good book? You’re not alone! In our tech-driven world, we spend a lot of time looking down, which can lead to what’s known as “forward head posture.” This posture causes the muscles in the front of your neck and shoulders to tighten and the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back to overwork. Over time, this imbalance can lead to discomfort and even pain.
So, how can you counteract all that forward motion? The answer is simple: Look up
Why You Should Look Up More Often
Stretch Out Tight Muscles: Looking up stretches the muscles in the front of your neck and chest that have become tight from looking down for long periods. This can help reduce tension and give these muscles a chance to relax.
Reduce Spine Pressure: When you constantly look down, your heavy head puts extra pressure on your spine. Looking up helps to counteract this by bringing your spine into a more natural, neutral position.
Boost Blood Flow: Changing the position of your neck by looking up can improve blood flow to the muscles and tissues in your neck and shoulders. More oxygen and nutrients mean less stiffness and pain.
Promote Better Posture: Looking up encourages a more upright posture. This small habit can help remind your body to maintain a healthier position, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders over time.
How to Make ‘Looking Up ’a Habit
Try looking up at the ceiling for about 20 seconds, three times a day. This simple practice can make a big difference. The hardest part is remembering to do it. Here are a few tips to help:
Set an Alarm: Set a reminder on your phone to look up every few hours.
Pair it with a Routine: Link this habit to something you already do, like brewing coffee or warming up lunch.
Let Discomfort Be Your Reminder: If you feel any discomfort, use it as a signal to pause and look up. After all, pain is just a message to take care of something.
A Quick Note on Safety: If any of these movements or stretches cause pain, stop immediately and consult a health professional for personalized advice.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into another simple tip to help keep your neck, back, and shoulders happy!
If you get started on these tips but would like some help through massage therapy, please reach out to me. I offer RMT in Langley out of our office in Murrayville and would be honoured to serve you.
