Are you Suffering From “Text Neck”?

Whether or not you’ve heard this new-fangled term, it’s likely you know exactly what “text neck” is referring to. The uncomfortable, bent, and ready for anything our phones may send us position that we always seem to find ourselves in. Where the head is hunched over, our shoulders hiked up, and the back bent and in no sort of routine. And after a while, it starts to hurt. We might not even know it at the time, but this continued position will create incredible amounts of stress within the shoulders and neck.

So why do we keep doing it? Chances are, you don’t even know you’re texting this way. The habit just creeps up on you, until it simply feels natural to communicate in such a position. 

You Likely Have Text Neck if: 

• You have tight or painful shoulders
• Cricks in the neck
• Your neck or shoulders “pop” regularly
• You regularly sit in a hunched position
• You fail to sit up straight
• You send multiple texts per day

The good news, however, is that you can train your body to stop texting this way. Just like you trained it to start hunching (even if you didn’t know it). By remembering to stay aware of how you’re sitting or standing, you can reverse the unhealthy behavior. You should also be aware of how your shoulders are sitting, the position of your neck, and how close the phone is to your face. And if you really need it that close to your face, move the phone instead. It’s that easy.

Over time, this behavior will become muscle memory, and the body will eliminate its next neck behavior without even thinking about it. Start incorporating these small changes today for an easy, yet effective way, to eliminate texting-based side effects once and for all. 

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How to Eliminate Headaches While you Sleep

The easier it is to find a medical treatment, the better – a common theory among sufferers of all kinds. When in place, colds could be met with as little resistance as possible, invasive procedures would be kept at a minimum, and meanwhile, everyone would be feeling their best without nasty or uncomfortable side effects. Unfortunately, that can’t be said for a large portion of illnesses that affect the population.

Headaches, however, are one cause that fits the bill.

Headaches and One of Their Main Causes

A majority of headaches and subsequent neck pain stems from the way we sleep each night. From craning or placing awkward pressure on the head and neck, ongoing aches occur and create regular headaches. Though certain positions might be comfortable during sleep (whether in general or from one’s level of relaxation), they can actually cause pains throughout the day. Additionally, a lack of neck support can cause pressure, affect blood flow, or even cause vertebrae to become misaligned. All of these things then contribute to head pain, whether in one night or a gradual increase over time.

While it can be hard to know just how we sleep in throughout the night, a new, supportive pillow can offer ongoing relief. Even without a sleep study. Look to a pillow with neck support, memory foam, and gentle cradling – all of which align the spine in a natural position. Over time, this will reduce headaches and create a healthier sleeping pattern. Many notice results in just one night.

Talk to your doctor about specific headaches or how a pillow change might affect or accompany ongoing treatments. For the rare headache patient, however, a simple change in support levels can do wonders for their daily routine.

To learn more about supportive pillows, talk to a specialist or check out the selection at Contour Living’s pillow page.

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Reduce Neck Pain and Tension

New Self-Massage Tool for Neck Pain & Tension

Neck King is a self-massage tool designed to release tension in the neck and back muscles. Its four strategically placed bumps allow users to apply pressure to various areas of the neck and back.  It is very easy to use - simply place under desired area (neck, back, legs, etc) and relax.  The raised contour areas will  melt into the areas of tension.  Use daily to reduce pain and pressure on nerves throughout your body.

Neck Muscles and Surrounding Area

1. Laying down on your back, raise your head and place the Neck King  under your neck, with the lower bumps facing your body. Keep the neck centered between those bumps.
2. Relax your body and let the bumps melt into your tense muscles.
3. Gently rock your head to one side then the other, looking for other tender areas to work.
4. Stay over the tender areas on both sides of the neck, allowing the muscles to relax and associated tension to release. Tender areas should become less tender with daily use of Neck King.
5. Finally, stretch your neck by allowing your head to roll all the way to each side. Hold the stretch and relax. Repeat this several times. This will help increase your range of motion.

Back Area

1. Laying on your back, place a pillow under your head 
2. Place the Neck King just below the pillow and carefully lower your back onto it. Make sure to keep your spine centered between the bumps
3. Relax your body and let the bumps melt into your tense muscles
4. To work each side more intensely, you can bend your knees so your feet rest flat on the floor. Then, gently rock your knees side to side. This will allow you to focus more on one side

       
   

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