Did you know that your glasses could be the secret culprit behind your nagging neck pain?
Varifocals can cause discomfort, especially when you’re working on a computer. These lenses are meant to provide clear vision at varying distances, but the layout requires you to look through different parts of the lens for close-up tasks, like reading your screen. This subtle shift in your gaze can have a big impact on your posture.
When using a computer, you naturally need to look through the lower part of the lens for clear vision. This forces you to tilt your chin upward to see properly and to jiggle your eyes and head to get the ideal part of the lens, creating tension in your neck as well as eye strain and reducing rates. Over time, this awkward situation can lead to muscle strain, stiffness, and discomfort.
The strain doesn’t stop there. The longer you maintain this posture, the more likely you are to develop secondary issues, like headaches, back pain, and even shoulder tension. Understanding the connection between your lenses and your neck posture is the first step toward finding relief.
Chin Up: The Posture Problem No One Talks About
How many times have you caught yourself lifting your chin while working at your computer? If you wear varifocals, this might be a daily habit. When you lift your chin for long periods, the muscles in your neck are forced to work harder to support your head. This constant tension can lead to soreness, stiffness, and inflammation. Over time, your neck joints can become strained, and the discomfort can even spread to other areas, like your upper back and shoulders. The position also compresses the delicate joints in your cervical spine, adding to the discomfort.
The real problem is that many people don’t even realise they’re doing it. This ‘chin-up’ posture can become second nature, making it harder to correct without conscious effort. Learning to adjust your body position, especially while using varifocals, is key to preventing neck pain in the long run.
How Tilting Your Head Strains Neck Muscles and Joints
Imagine holding a bowling ball in front of you for hours. Sounds tiring, right? Well, your head weighs about the same as a bowling ball, and when you tilt your head backward to see through your varifocals, you’re essentially asking your neck muscles to carry that weight all day. No wonder your neck feels sore after a long day at the computer!
Headaches and More: The Domino Effect of Poor Neck Posture
Neck pain isn’t the only issue you might face if you spend too much time tilting your head back. Poor neck posture can also trigger headaches, especially tension headaches, which are common among varifocal wearers. The strain on your neck muscles can cause tension to build up in the base of your skull, leading to pain that radiates to your head and temples.
These headaches can feel like a tight band around your head or pressure in the forehead, and they tend to worsen the longer you maintain poor posture. In some cases, the strain on your neck can also lead to dizziness or fatigue. The body is interconnected, so when one part is out of alignment, other areas are often affected as well.
Top Tips To Beat the Neck Pain Blues
The good news is that neck pain caused by varifocals doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With a few simple adjustments, you can reduce or even eliminate the discomfort.
- Avoiding neck strain while wearing varifocals is all about maintaining good posture and being aware of your body mechanics. One of the best tips is to keep your computer monitor at the correct height. Your eyes should naturally fall on the top third of the screen, so you don’t have to lift your chin to see the content.
- Consider a pair of glasses for screen work. A specific pair of glasses for computer work is ideal. It means you can look through the entire lens so you have to tilt your head less.
- Raise your computer screen so that you don’t have to tilt your head back to see. Your screen should be at eye level, allowing you to keep your neck in a neutral position.
- Use proper seating. Make sure your chair supports your lower back and encourages you to sit upright, rather than slouching or leaning forward. A good chair should also allow your feet to rest flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. This promotes better alignment of your spine and reduces strain on your neck. A chair that tilts forwards can help too. See here for our top tips for an office chair.
- Take frequent breaks. Even if you have the perfect ergonomic setup, staying in one position for too long can still strain your neck. Aim to take a break every 30 minutes to stretch your neck and shoulders. This helps to relieve tension and gives your muscles a chance to relax.
- Consider using an external keyboard and mouse if you’re working on a laptop. This allows you to adjust the height of your screen without compromising your arm and wrist position. Additionally, a document holder that sits at eye level can help reduce neck strain if you frequently reference papers or books while working.
- Lastly, remember to move! Adjust your position regularly throughout the day and do gentle stretches to relieve any built-up tension. Stretching your neck, shoulders, and upper back can help prevent stiffness and discomfort. Even just a few minutes of movement can have a big impact on how your neck feels.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help: Is It Time to See an Expert?
“If you’ve tried new glasses, adjusting your posture and making ergonomic changes but still find yourself battling neck pain” says Matthew Bennett, “it might be time to come and see us. Persistent or severe neck pain, especially with headaches or other symptoms, could indicate a more serious issue that needs our help”
Our chiropractors here in Brighton diagnose and treat neck pain. They can assess your posture, provide targeted exercises to strengthen your neck muscles, and offer manual therapy to relieve tension. They also guide you on how to adjust your daily habits to prevent further strain.
Don’t wait too long to seek help if the pain persists. Early intervention can prevent the problem from worsening and improve your quality of life. Neck pain shouldn’t be something you just “live with,” especially when there are effective treatments available.
Your Glasses Should Help, Not Hurt
Wearing varifocals is supposed to make your life easier, not harder. If you find yourself dealing with neck pain, headaches, or other discomforts, it’s worth taking a closer look at how you’re using your glasses.
If you’d like more advice and a personalised treatment plan, book in at Sundial today.
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