As more and more people utilize “3c” (computers communications as well as consumer) electronic devices on a daily basis there is a higher chance of developing neck, shoulder and back discomfort, or issues that are typically associated with advancing age, like hand numbness or Dowager’s hump or buffalo widely across the entire population.

The Dr. Chan Chiu-lung, a renowned traditional Chinese medical (TCM) doctor of the Taiwan We Care Clinic, provides three ways to ease neck, shoulder and back discomfort while bringing your posture back to a more balanced posture.

Who suffers from shoulder or Neck Pain?

Neck, shoulder and low back discomfort is usually due to poor posture as well as the excessive or frequent use of certain muscles. Workers in the office are usually seated for long periods of time looking at their computer and book enthusiasts who are spending long hours reading books and factory workers who keep the same posture or do repetitive motions all day long, are most susceptible to suffering from long-term back pain.

Chan stated that the neck should always be held perpendicular to the ground , and just over the pelvis. If the head is leaning forward, every inch increases the burden upon the cervical spine. The increased weight could result in soreness and inflammation of the spine.

Stretch to Reduce Low Back Pain

Chan believes that neck, shoulder and lower back pain are usually caused by overuse of back muscles. Thus stretching and relaxing back muscles are the most effective method to relieve the pain. Chan provides the following three methods of training.

1. Raise the Overhead Leg (10 seconds)

Lay lying on your back. Put your hands on your body, and under the lower back. Press downwards using your hands, utilize the core muscles to lift your legs straight up and push them to the ground as far as you can.

2. Seated Crunch 1 (about 10 seconds)

You can sit in a position on your floor. Set the hands on your back and then bend your body as far as is possible. While pressing your head, raise your head to keep your head up against the tension.

3. Seated Crunch 2 (about 10 seconds)

Sit in the chair. Utilize your strength in the hip muscles in order to stretch your legs. Set the hands on your back, and then bend your body as far as you can. Put your head down and raise your head up to be able to resist the pressure.

Do not eat two types of food.

Chan warns all those suffering from pain in their muscles shouldn’t eat sweet or cold food because the chill can cause obstructions in the body. A lot of chill can impede the flow of blood, trigger muscle contractionand cause the pain. Sweets can cause inflammation, which may raise pain levels throughout the body.