5 Ways Modern Tech Helps Neck and Back Pain

Most people spend their days sitting down, especially people who work in the office and are always on the computer. A sedentary lifestyle can cause neck and back pain. Many health complications have been linked to sitting for long periods, including chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Even people who exercise also need to be cautious not to sit for extended periods. One major complication you may get includes neck and back pain. However, there are ways that modern tech can help neck and back pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help with neck and back pain. A doctor can either use passive physical therapy or active physical therapy. Passive physical therapy involves a treatment whereby the doctor does not use any force on the patients. Many modern technologies help with passive physical therapy, including ultrasound, electrotherapy, and heat therapy. Passive physical therapy seeks to assist in pain reduction and swelling. Active physical therapy involves the movement of the patient to help in reducing back and neck pain. The patients may do some exercises or stretch to improve strength and flexibility on their muscles. The neck becomes less painful, and the patient can maintain a good posture that reduces stress on their cervical spine.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular treatment used by doctors to help neck and back pain. The treatment uses a device that delivers electric current to the patient’s skin, thus promoting pain relief. TENS is a passive and non-invasive modern tech method with no known side effects. The treatment may also be used alongside others, like therapeutic exercise. TENS is believed to stimulate the production of endorphins in your body which acts as natural painkillers. You should consult a doctor for neck and back pain to determine if this modern technology is right for you.

Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is a modern treatment method that helps relieve neck and back pain. This method involves pulling your head away from the neck, whereby expansion is created and compression is eliminated. This method is effective, especially for people who want to avoid medications and surgery. The treatments relieve stiffness and pain and also increase flexibility. After the treatment, you will experience improved mobility, better alignment, and range in motion that will allow you to go on with your daily duties well.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are modern non-surgical treatments used to relieve neck and back pain. The injections treat any spinal pain after completing other non-surgical procedures, such as physical therapy and medication. However, steroid injections are performed before the doctors consider surgery. The advantage of getting injections is that they relieve pain and determine its cause. Instead of taking oral medications, injections deliver the medications directly to your anatomic location, generating pain and providing more neck and back relief than orally taken drugs. The injections may work by delivering steroids to the pain source or creating a heat lesion on the nerve, transmitting pain and preventing it from sending the pain signals to your brain.

Surgery

If the non-surgical treatments fail in reducing back and neck pain, you may need surgery. Surgery to relieve neck-related pain is done to decompress the nerve root where the damaged disc and other problematic areas are removed. Surgery is also performed to decompress your spinal cord and stabilize your cervical spine.

Suppose you undergo imaging and diagnostic tests that do not confirm whether any of these reasons are causing the neck pain or other related signs, including pain and tingling. In that case, it is not recommended for you to get surgery. There are two most common options for surgery; Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR). Modern technology has made it safe for people to undergo such surgeries without serious complications. However, it is essential to first exhaust all other non-surgical treatments before considering surgery.

Final Thoughts

The dependency on and the overuse of technological devices such as mobile phones has wreaked havoc on the human posture. This has led to a curve neck loss which helps in supporting the head. It causes the internal structure to change, and your spine suffers, leading to significant problems. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that you sit in the ideal posture to control the neck pain. You can also undergo non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, steroid injections, cervical traction, among others if you suffer from chronic back and neck pain. If all of them fail, surgery is recommended.

By Regina Thomas

Regina is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.