08/16/2021
Text Neck
The reliance on cell phones, e-readers, and laptop computers has increased the incidence of anterior/forward head posture in all groups, especially teens and young adults. This forward head posture increases the demands placed on the muscles, bones, and joints of the neck and upper back. Pressures placed on the structures of the neck and upper back increase dramatically as head posture moves forward. For example, tilting your head just 15 degrees forward can increase the neck and upper back pressure by 27lbs. Further tilt can result in as much as 60lbs of pressure.
Text neck can present as:
* Neck Stiffness
* Sharp pain in the neck
* General soreness
* Radiating pain
* Numbness/ weakness of the shoulders and arms
* Headaches
So what can I do about this?
1. Start by reducing screen time as much as possible.
2. Raise whatever device you are using up to a level where you do not have to look down to view it.
3. Take periodic breaks to move your neck side to side and into rotation gently.
4. Try chin tuck exercises by moving your head backward to line your ears up with your shoulders.
5. Contact your DC, PT, or DO if you have questions or concerns.
If you have issues with Text Neck or are experiencing pain in the neck or upper back, feel free to schedule an appointment to learn more about the condition and how you can use chiropractic care to help.
*SEE DISCLOSURE IN HIGHLIGHTS*
Neupane S, Ifthikar Ali UT, Mathew A. Text-Neck Syndrome-Systemic review. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. 2017;3(7):141-148. Accessed 16 Aug 2021.