Upper back and neck pain have quietly become modern day lifestyle disorders. With long hours at desks, increased screen time, poor posture, and lack of movement, more people, young and old—are experiencing stiffness, headaches, and shoulder tension than ever before.
At Shiv Yog Physiotherapy, Jamshedpur, we see a growing number of patients with neck and upper back pain caused by incorrect work habits, weak muscles, and prolonged stress on the spine. The good news? Most of this pain is preventable with simple awareness and daily practices.
Here are 15 expert recommended best practices to keep your neck and upper back healthy, strong, and pain free:
Make sure your computer screen is at eye level. Your chair should support your spine, and your arms should be relaxed at 90°. Avoid looking down at your laptop for long hours.
Every 30–40 minutes, stand up, stretch, roll your shoulders, or simply walk for a minute. Small movements prevent stiffness.
Avoid hunching over your phone or computer. Maintain a neutral spine, relaxed shoulders, and tucked chin. Slouching compresses your neck and upper spine.
Use a pillow that supports your neck’s natural curve. Avoid sleeping on very high or multiple pillows, and try to sleep on your back or side rather than your stomach.
Engage in postural exercises like scapular squeezes, chin tucks, and wall angels. A strong upper back can support your neck better.
Include neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and thoracic spine stretches in your routine. Even 10 minutes daily can make a big difference.
Avoid the “text neck” by holding your phone at eye level. Prolonged bending of the neck increases strain.
Regular walking, yoga, or swimming helps improve overall spine health and blood flow to tight muscles.
Drink plenty of water! Your spinal discs need hydration to stay healthy and cushioned.
Avoid carrying heavy backpacks or shoulder bags on one side. It throws off balance and stresses the upper back.
Shallow breathing from the chest can tighten neck and shoulder muscles. Practice diaphragmatic breathing to reduce tension.
Mental stress often causes physical tightness in the shoulders and neck. Mindfulness, journaling, or even short walks can help.
If you notice mild tightness or pain after a long day, apply a warm compress to the upper back or neck to relax muscles.
If you notice recurring tightness or stiffness, don’t wait for it to turn into chronic pain. Early physiotherapy can prevent worsening.
At Shiv Yog Physiotherapy, we offer posture screening and corrective programs to help you build longterm neck and spine health.
Most neck and upper back pain today is lifestyle related. We often wait for the pain to become unbearable before seeking help. But the real win is in prevention. A small correction in posture, the right exercise, and avoiding tech overuse can protect your spine for years. If you're already feeling tightness or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Physiotherapy offers drugfree, long lasting relief—and the earlier you start, the better your recovery.
Dr. Nawal Kishors Singh
Upper back and neck pain can creep in slowly—but you don’t have to let it take over your life. By following these simple yet effective daily practices, you can keep your spine strong, pain free, and mobile.
And if you already feel that nagging discomfort, stiffness, or headaches from your upper spine, know that help is available. At Shiv Yog Physiotherapy, we create personalized plans using manual therapy, posture correction, dry needling, and more, to not just treat your pain, but fix what’s causing it.
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