Any emerging disease signals distress from the body, and if you’re experiencing discomfort in your neck, it’s important to assess your lifestyle for underlying issues.

**Look Up and Live Right**

In today’s fast-paced world, we often rely on our smartphones, so it’s essential to adopt the right postures while using them.

The first technique is what we like to call the “Ultraman Pose.” Keep your neck relaxed and hold your phone at eye level with your right hand. Use your left hand to support your right elbow from below; this provides a more comfortable grip on the device. You can visualize it as Ultraman poised to battle a monster while adopting this position.

The second technique is referred to as the “Study Hard Position.” If holding your phone starts feeling cumbersome, consider sitting in front of a desk. Position yourself comfortably with your neck relaxed, resting both elbows on the table for additional support. Lift your phone to eye level using both hands. The main takeaway is quite clear: when using your phone, avoid looking down.

**High Pillows Bring Worry**

There’s an old saying that suggests, “Rest easy with a high pillow,” but from a medical standpoint, this could be detrimental. As we’ve discussed, looking down can adversely affect the cervical spine. Sleeping on a high pillow for eight hours is similar to spending that same amount of time gazing down at your phone, which likely means you’ll wake up with neck pain the next day.

Interestingly, pillows should do more than just support your head; they need to support your neck as well. A good pillow maintains the cervical spine’s neutral position, allowing both back and side sleepers to achieve a healthy posture.

**Engage in Effective Exercise**

To keep your cervical spine in good shape, it’s crucial to strengthen the core muscles that support the neck.

This insight comes from an article featured in “Popular Health” magazine, written by Dr. Wang Fengxian, an orthopedic deputy chief physician at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and reviewed by Dr. Wang Qiang, chief physician of orthopedics at Beijing Hospital.

(Staying healthy is a key focus emphasized by the Health China WeChat official account.)