What Is Text Neck?
Smart phones are one of the amazing luxuries of modern technology. They bring the world to your fingertips, and make your life much more convenient in so many ways. Except one – your spinal health.
With millions of Americans basically attached to their cell phones, a new epidemic is on the rise: text neck.
What is text neck?
“Text neck” is a term used to describe neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your cell phone for too long. Doctors and chiropractors across the country are actually beginning to use the phrase “text next” as an official medical diagnosis.
According to the Washington Post, the average human head weighs about 12 pounds. However, as your neck bends forward, the weight on your cervical spine begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, there is about 27 pounds of pressure on your neck. At a 60-degree angle, there is as much as 60 pounds of pressure.
Image courtesy of the Washington Post.
The average smartphone user spends upwards of two hours per day sending emails, texts, and surfing the web on their mobile device. This adds up to over 700 hours per year! With up to 60 pounds of pressure being applied, you can imagine the damage this causes on your neck.
What are the symptoms of text neck?
Symptoms of text neck can range from mild to severe, and can include the following:
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Soreness or stiffness of the neck
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Upper back pain and/or muscle spasms
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Shoulder pain and tightness
What can I do to prevent or reverse text neck?
Are you suffering from text neck? Here are some things you can do to help ease the pain:
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Spend less time on your phone
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Hold your phone at eye level to reduce stress on neck
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Take micro-breaks at work when looking down for too long
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Exercises such as yoga and palates can help you fix your posture
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Stretch your neck daily
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See a licensed orthopedist or chiropractor
Orthopaedic Specialty Group is Fairfield County’s largest and most trusted orthopedic practice. With state-of-the-art facilities in Fairfield, Shelton, and and a team of licensed doctors, we are there when you need us. If you are suffering from text neck or any other form of neck pain, make an appointment with one of our specialists by calling (203) 337-2600.