How to de-age your ‘tech-neck' if you're over 50
I admit it, I've been fretting about my neck. Not in the Nora Ephron wrinkles and sag sense (ok, maybe a bit/lot of that). But a few months ago, it began aching, intrusively.
Occasionally it has been Voltarol-worthy. I should have done something about it years ago. Every masseur/facialist I've ever encountered has juddered to a halt when they reached my neck. 'My Gaaad, it's like rock/stone/wood/concrete .
I assumed everyone who sits at a computer or has a smart phone has a traumatised neck. I let things slide.
Vanity brought me to my senses. To be precise, a photograph of myself in semi profile. I looked like a chicken, my neck's so far forward.
We all know bad posture is a chief culprit when it comes to making us look and feel older. But those tense neck muscles may also be contributing to the pesky marionette lines that make one look so miserable.
I don't fancy surgery. Besides, a friend in her early 70s who has an un-touched neck that's cross hatched with lines is still one of the most beautiful, elegant women I know. Good posture, among other things.
I'm hydrating with oils rich in Vitamins E and A, and SPF-ing like there's no tomorrow. I've even tried a neck cream, which smells divine, but won't do what I need, which is to strengthen my upper back and remind me to pull my head back. I'm paying extra attention in my Pilates classes to protect my neck and wearing reading glasses whenever I'm at my computer, so I don't strain forward to see the screen properly.
I spend five to ten minutes in front of the tv gently massaging the large muscles (trapezius and SCM since you ask) at the side of my neck with my hands.Some people like to use fascia balls . You don't need a fancy oil for this – good old almond or jojoba will do.
I'm also enjoying trialling Keren Bartov's The Wand, a light weight hand held tool that combines Radio Frequency (RF) technology, infrared and red light therapy in the optimal ranges to deliver targeted heat deep into the skin's layers, purportedly stimulating collagen production and boosting blood circulation.
It's easy to use, good for applying gentle pressure where you need it, and has attracted a lot of celebrity support, but it's a steep £1,650. More affordably, Currentbody's light mask specifically designed for necks is £359.99.
Other steps I've taken: sleeping on a memory foam U-shaped pillow which supports my neck and ensures crease-free cheeks if I turn on my side, and seeing an osteopath specifically about my neck tension. He's also giving me acupressure and showing me correct ways to exercise without straining my neck.
The dull ache has gone. Meanwhile, I think the marionettes are softening. Is it the pillow, better posture, hydration, massage, osteopathy? All of it, probably. But drawing my neck back, tucking in my chin slightly and that old fashioned method of feeling a string coming out the top of your head and lifting you to the ceiling is a game changer.
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