Neck pain, which we all experience at some point in our lives, has a newer and possibly more apt name that accommodates its most common cause in today’s age: tech neck. Across the globe, this has become a widespread issue, as people spend more time staring at screens – regardless of whether this is for work, social media, or recreation. Traditional solutions like ergonomic adjustments, physical therapy, and stretching routines often help manage symptoms; however, discomfort often persists. Some looking for alternative treatments may stumble upon home infrared sauna therapy. But does it offer the relief you’re looking for? Discover if IR sauna benefits can help relieve tech neck discomfort with our Sun Stream Saunas AUS team below.
What is Tech Neck?
Tech neck is the pain, stiffness, or soreness you feel in the neck, shoulders, or upper back while using phones or computers. The condition often occurs when prolonged forward head posture strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the upper body.
When the head tilts forward, it increases the load on the cervical spine. Over time, this strain can lead to muscle tightness, inflammation, and a reduced range of motion. Beyond the neck and shoulders, the condition can also lead to headaches, lower back pain, herniated discs, and temporomandibular joint pain. At worst, it can contribute to spinal misalignment or nerve compression.
How IR Sauna Benefits Those with Tech Neck
Using infrared wavelengths that penetrate up to the body’s tissues and muscles, infrared saunas provide heat therapy that addresses many of the underlying issues related to tech neck. Here’s how:
Relieving Muscle Tension
One of the immediate IR sauna benefits is relaxing tight muscles caused by prolonged poor posture. Over time, the deep heat of infrared saunas also improves flexibility and mobility, helping to reduce the likelihood of recurring tightness. Combining this relaxation effect with stretching exercises can further relieve muscle tension around the neck and shoulder area.
Enhanced Blood Flow and Circulation
As the heat from infrared saunas raises your core body temperature, your blood vessels dilate, leading to improved circulation. This increase in blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to strained muscles while flushing out lactic acid and other waste products that contribute to soreness and stiffness.
Moreover, improved circulation also supports faster healing of microtears in muscle fibres, which often results from muscle strain. Over time, this prevents recurring tension and inflammation which are some of the main sources of discomfort for tech neck sufferers.
Inflammation Reduction at the Cellular Level
Poor posture often leads the neck and shoulder muscles to overcompensate, leading to overwork and inflammation. Regular infrared sauna use can mitigate this through its ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and key inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein. This effect is supported by the treatment’s other benefits, which enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Reduction of Stress-Related Tension
Without your notice, stress can further exacerbate the symptoms of tech neck, however, this effect can be alleviated with regular infrared sauna use. The treatment activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system or its ‘rest and digest’ state, which lowers the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This mechanism addresses both the physical and mental aspects of muscle strain, significantly contributing to feelings of relief.
Key Takeaway
Our digital lifestyles aren’t going away any time soon, meaning that tech neck can always be a looming inconvenience in our daily lives. While ergonomic adjustments and stretches can help alleviate the surface symptoms of tech neck, combining these treatments with home infrared sauna sessions can target deeper issues, offering a more comprehensive approach to both the visible symptoms and the underlying causes of the condition.
If you’re ready to incorporate infrared sauna sessions into your wellness routine to fight off tech neck, we at SunStream AUS can help. Our range of products designed with advanced features provides maximum therapeutic benefits for relief, pain management, and more. Explore our product range now or contact us for more questions or inquiries.