It’s no secret that the digital age is upon us. And while we can all agree it’s made things much more convenient and accessible, it’s not all good news. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of “text neck” is becoming more and more common.
This term refers to the neck pain and damage stemming from the prolonged use of mobile devices. If you find yourself frequently hunched over your phone or tablet (maybe you’re even doing it right now), understanding the signs of text neck and seeking appropriate care can help correct the issue before pain happens.
So, in this article, we look at the common signs of text neck and how chiropractic care might help.
Common Signs of Text Neck
“Text neck,” also called forward head posture and tech neck, is undeniably a result of using our electronic devices. We lean forward to view the computer screen. Or we hunch on the couch or in our chairs over our phones. If this posture is becoming a problem for you, you might notice the following signs.
1. Chronic Neck Pain and Stiffness
One of the most obvious signs of text neck is a persistent pain in the neck. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp pains. It can also be more severe after a session at the computer or after scrolling through your phone.
2. Increased Curvature of the Spine
Excessive forward head posture from looking down at your device can lead to an unnatural curvature of the spine. If you catch a side posture of yourself, you might notice your head protruding forward, past your neck, with a bit of a bump where your back meets your neck.
3. Headaches
The strain of text neck can often lead to tension headaches, which typically manifest at the back of the head and temples.
4. Shoulder Pain and Tightness
The shoulders can also bear the brunt of poor posture, leading to pain and tightness in this area. When we protrude our heads forward, our shoulders follow. If we begin hunching more forward, we may even end up having breathing problems.
5. Reduced Mobility
Over time, text neck can lead to a decrease in the range of motion in the neck and shoulders. You might feel stiff, or it could hurt more to move one way than the other.
6. Tingling or Numbness in the Arms
In more severe cases, text neck can compress nerves, leading to tingling or numbness in the arms. However, this isn’t as common as the other five signs above.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care is an excellent, non-invasive way to address the symptoms of text neck and prevent further damage. Here are a few ways chiropractic care can do that:
- Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments to realign the spine and reduce the strain on your neck.
- Posture Correction: Chiropractors can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture to prevent the recurrence of text neck symptoms.
- Ergonomic Advice: Your chiropractor can offer advice on setting up your workspace in a way that minimizes the strain on your neck.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Chiropractors can suggest lifestyle modifications that can help mitigate the effects of prolonged device usage. For instance, they can advise you to set reminders on your phone to adjust your posture or even limit your usage of certain apps, so you live less on your phone and more in real life!
While text neck is a growing concern in our technology-driven society, it’s not an inevitable consequence of modern life. Recognizing the signs early and seeking chiropractic care can not only alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with text neck but also prevent long-term damage.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider consulting with our team at Precision Spinal Care. Our caring and compassionate professionals can provide a comprehensive approach to relieve your symptoms and improve your overall spinal health. With your Chelsea chiropractor, you can take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable neck and spine today. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a healthier life! Book your appointment now.
