Sitting at a computer caused me long-term repetitive strain and overuse injuries. One of the most stubborn computer-related injuries was my neck pain and the muscle confusion that came along with it. This was specifically caused by having my monitor screen too low. This includes using a laptop screen for long periods of time.
I used to always have my head tilted forward, looking at a downward angle to see my monitor screen. The muscles on the front of my neck would compress and shorten as they were constantly activated for 8 hours a day. The muscles on the back of my neck were overextended and lengthened. This caused excessive muscle tension and dysfunction in my neck.
Iron Neck
This article will talk about my experience with one my favorite posture correction devices. It’s called the Iron Neck. It is a strength and therapy device that greatly improved my neck strength, mobility, and computer posture correction.
Side note: This Iron Neck device review is not paid promotion. I’m not compensated by them. I paid my own money for this product. And I enjoy sharing my experience with readers about products that’ve helped me improve my computer posture.
This article is not professional medical advice. It’s based off my personal experience and opinions. For years, my poor computer posture caused muscle tension, inflammation, and chronic pain. Bad posture also decreased my mental clarity, energy level, and work productivity.
All the office wellness tips I write about are directly related to improving posture at a computer. We are our own primary caretakers. Do your research. Make good decisions. And be the best advocate possible for your own healthcare.
Review
How the Iron Neck works for athletes and desk workers
The product fits around the head like a hat would. Then, it has a strap that connects under the chin. It’s shaped like a halo. There is a track that goes all the way around it 360 degrees. There is a small device that slides around that track. This device is also connected to the Iron Neck.
The Iron Neck comes with a resistance band that hooks to the piece that slides around on the track. The other end of the resistance band can hook to a door or a pole.
How to use the Iron Neck for neck pain
Once it is tightened and fitting properly, it’s time to use it for strength and mobility training. It comes with an Iron Neck training program that is printed out on an easy-to-read poster. There are 3 phases. Each phase has 2 different exercises. So there are 6 Iron Neck exercises total. Even though, I only did the first 4 exercises. The last 2 are advanced movements. And by the time I got to that point in the training program (after 6 weeks), my neck pain was gone and my neck felt great.
How often do I need to do Iron Neck exercises?
When I first got my Iron Neck, I used it 3 times a week for about 6 weeks. The results were eye-opening. Before using it, I had pretty much resigned to the fact that neck pain was a permanent part of my future. Because I had already tried just about everything. Physical therapy, deep tissue massage, dry needling, acupuncture, chiropractor, the list goes on.
All of these neck pain prevention methods helped a little in their own way. But none of them were correcting the root of my problem. I had a terrible muscle imbalance throughout my neck. Some of my neck muscles were overused excessively. Others were underused and deactivated, barely working at all.
I needed to correct this muscle imbalance by using the it for strength. I accomplished this goal by using it 3 times a week for the first 6 weeks. That was back in 2020. Ever since then, I only use my Iron Neck occasionally. Once a month or so. It’s nice to check in with my neck muscles every once in a while to see what type of muscle tension I currently have (and correct it).
Iron Neck workout benefits
I can’t say enough good things about how much the Iron Neck has helped me vs other neck trainers. The health benefits I’ve gotten from it include:
- improved neck strength
- corrected neck muscle imbalance
- improved blood flow
- improved range of motion
- prevent future neck pain from computer use
- reduce tech neck
- improved computer posture
Is Iron Neck worth it?
In my experience, yes. The Iron Neck is definitely worth it. Even considering that it’s one of the most expensive posture correction devices I’ve ever bought. It was still worth it. Nothing else corrected the muscle confusion in my neck. And I tried a lot of devices and healing therapies. Without investing in iy, I’d still have neck pain and dysfunction today. It’s my favorite method of neck strengthening for office workers.
Will it make my neck bigger?
Some people have said their neck gained size after using the Iron Neck. In my experience, this wasn’t the case at all. My neck was actually bigger before I used the Iron Neck compared to after. My neck actually got slimmer after using it those first 6 weeks.
I never took neck measurements before and after I first used the device. I wish I would have. Also, I have some thoughts on why my neck was slimmer after using it for 6 weeks. Before using the the product, all my neck muscles and soft tissue were locked up. Some were overused. Some were underused. Also, some were shortened. Some were lengthened. There was a lot of confusion going on. It strengthened all the muscles in my neck. Unlocking the soft tissues and allowing them to move and function properly. I think this is why my neck got stronger, and slimmer, after using it.
More neck exercises for computer users
If you’re not going to invest in an Iron Neck, you can always check out my article titled Cervical Spine Exercises. It talks about how working at a computer for long periods of time caused my neck pain and dysfunction. You’ll also learn the importance of correct monitor height (the top of my screen is always eye level nowadays). The article also goes over some of my favorite neck stretches. You can find that article here.
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN COMPUTER POSTURE.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! You’re taking valuable steps to reduce computer-related injuries by improving your posture. That’s something to be very proud of!
If you liked this article on my Iron Neck review, check out my free ebook titled 3 Ways to Improve Computer Posture Immediately!
>>> Click here to download your free copy
This ebook is a great supplement to the article you just read. In this ebook, you’ll learn 3 of the most painful, poor computer posture mistakes. Then, you’ll learn how to fix those mistakes immediately with 3 simple changes to your ergonomic computer desk setup.
Go to SittingPosture.com/ebook to learn more.
Take care,
Todd Bowen
