With the increased number of people using the internet as a form of entertainment, there is also an increase in the number of individuals complaining of neck pain. Neck pain and computer users are clearly connected due to extended periods of sitting in a certain position while surfing the 'net with no breaks to stretch the neck muscles. .

For some it's addictive. You sit down in front of your computer, answer emails and surf the internet, play games, chat online, etc. Hours -- sometimes several hours later you're done. For those who work on a computer, 8 to 10 hours is easily spent daily performing the required duties of your job.

In both cases, you are often in one position for an extended period of time with little or no movement -- that's not good. If you job requires you to sit for extended periods of time, you should have an ergonomically correct desk and chair. Your monitor should be at a level to which you are not bending your neck to view it. You should take frequent breaks to get up and stretch. If you are an internet junkie, you also need to take breaks.

In both cases, if you are spending a significant time in front of a computer that is not ergonomically correct, your body will gradually begin to change and adapt to your habits. If you are bending forward, your neck muscles will gradually get shorter and tighter, while the muscles in the back of your neck are growing longer and weaker. As time goes on, you will begin to develop neck pain and sometimes back pain as your back may begin to spasm.

For computer users, there are exercises and activities that you can do to prevent neck pain or damage your neck muscles. To stretch the front of your neck, turn your head slightly to one side (about 45 degrees); then the other side. Place your right hand on the left side of your chest and pull down gently as you tilt your head back.

For the back of the neck, investing in a neck exercise machine would be a wise investment or you can simply fold a towel and place it against a wall. Now, put the back of your head against the towel and push into it; hold for a few seconds and release. This is known as "isometric contraction."

If you find that you are not able to perform some of these movements or you experience pain, you may want to consider visiting a chiropractor. A chiropractor will perform special techniques to help restore normal movement of your spine.

Your neck is not supposed to hurt when you're sitting in front of your computer, but lack of mobility can lead to problems with the neck and back. Neck pain is something that can be prevented if you do a few exercises and take interval breaks to stretch.