"Text -Neck" is becoming a syndrome for many Americans
Of the 6 billion people that walk this planet, over 4 billion own mobile devices. Texting is hugely convenient and a quick form of communication for many of us.
Over one billion messages are sent every month worldwide. On a typical day, Americans spend around 2.7 hours per day texting, checking e-mails, and surfing the web from their mobile devices.
There are also other common causes of neck pain.
Text Neck May Cause Long-Term Damage
Text Neck Syndrome seems to be a profound concern for young people and could cause permanent damage to their cervical spines that could lead to lifelong neck pain.
As students, we hang our heads to cram in our daily studies and take tests, but we’d get up and go about our days.
The problem is that the added activity of texting causes kids to look down more frequently and for more extended time periods. So, the positioning is almost non-stop.
The issue is no different for adults, days are spent in meetings, at work, and even stopped at red lights with our electronic devices glued to our sides.
Long-term forward neck posture impacts the natural curve you are supposed to have in your neck, which can lead to disc herniated and pinched nerves.
Symptoms of Text Neck
Text neck most commonly causes neck pain and soreness. Also, looking down at your cell phone too much each day can lead to:
- Upper back pain ranging from chronic, nagging pain to sharp, severe upper back muscle spasms.
- Shoulder pain and tightness, possibly resulting in painful shoulder muscle spasm.
- If a nerve becomes pinched, pain, and possibly neurological symptoms can radiate down your arm and into your hand.
- May cause issues in your arms and hands
- Headaches
- Other health issues
How much pressure is put on our cervical spine?
The amount of pressure we put on our cervical spine each day is comparable to carrying an eight-year-old child around your neck for a few hours.
- The human head weighs about 12 pounds, and at a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds
- At 30 degrees it’s 40 pounds
- At 45 degrees it’s 49 pounds
- At 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds
4 Tips for Mobile Users to Avoid Pain:
- Look down at your device with your eyes no need to bend your neck,
- Do exercises to improve your posture, and strengthen your core
- Take breaks throughout the day (recommended every 20-30 minutes, take a brisk walk or take a lap around the office)
- "Text Neck" App to check your posture at home
- Visit an Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinic Near You to keep your spine correctly aligned and adjusted
Visiting your Chiropractor for Help
Text neck is a serious issue, and our highly trained chiropractors can relieve your pain with safe and natural treatment plans.
Beginning with spinal alignment, our doctors will assess your pain points and successfully reduce your injuries.
We may use a combination of spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and lifestyle goals as part of your treatment plan.
Through our medical care, we can help you obtain lasting results to live a healthy, pain-free life. Contact Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinics or visit one of our 17 locations.
We offer easy and free consultations, walk-in and see us today!
