Text Neck Syndrome: Avoid It With These Tips
Text neck syndrome is becoming more and more popular as we all are becoming more and more connected to our phones, tablets, and computers. In this post, we’ll be going over what text neck syndrome is and what can be done to resolve text neck syndrome on your own, and with our help. Read on to learn more!
What is Text Neck Syndrome?
Text neck syndrome is exactly what it sounds like: the negative effects of the bent-neck positioning you’ll often see in public when someone is angling their neck downwards towards their device. This position of the neck may cause a whole host of symptoms to develop over time and essentially produces “text neck syndrome”. So what are the symptoms of text neck syndrome? Let’s explore those symptoms below.
Symptoms of Text Neck
Below are symptoms of text neck and what can be exacerbated as a result of text neck syndrome over time.
Neck Pain
When your neck is tightly angled downward for extended periods of time, it’s obvious why you may begin to experience various levels of neck pain. Neck pain is often some of the most noticeable type of pain we can experience. Neck pain as a result of too much screen time on our mobile devices may be the root cause of some of your ongoing neck pain in and of itself.
Neck Stiffness
Neck stiffness is something which can result from many different factors. If you happen to be an active user of mobile devices and computers for 8+ hours per day, you may run the risk of developing neck stiffness. Neck stiffness May be one of the first symptoms of text neck and an aspect of your health you may want to monitor. Any prolonged awkward positioning of the neck will likely cause neck stiffness to develop.
Headaches
Headaches are often associated with prolonged screen time, only due to the screen itself emitting blue light, but also due to the strained positioning of the neck when craning. Headaches from text neck May range from mild to severe and should certainly be documented in a journal of some sort to determine if your headaches are exacerbated by prolonged screen time and awkward neck positioning.
Neck Spasms
Neck spasms may occur due to text neck. Sometimes your neck muscles can only take so much before spasms begin to occur. Giving your neck a rest with less screen time will likely allow your neck to relax and regain composure.
Back Pain Resulting from Neck Pain Compensation
Our neck, back, and spine are all interconnected. If one area of our ne j is acting up, it will likely affect our back over time due to the effect of over compensation. If you’re noticing back pain associated with your text neck symptoms, you’ll definitely want to contact us so we can determine the next best steps when it comes to treating your condition.
Numbness
If you’re experiencing any type of numbness, this may be a sign of a pinched nerve issue. The chronic hunched and angled positions of the text neck may inevitably cause a pinched nerve issue. This should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional to best determine what is going on, and if text neck has anything to do with the numbness you’re experiencing.
Tingling
Tingling may be occurring due to nerve issues as well. The neck can be a very vulnerable area of the body. With enough neglect in the form of poor posture and text neck, your body may begin to experience the negative side effects of too much screen time on a mobile device.
Weakness or Pain Extending Down to Forearms
This symptom of text neck could be a combination of strain and stress on the neck paired with prolonged mobile device use. Your hands, wrists, and forearms could be overworked from holding your mobile device all day and thus could heighten the pain and discomfort you’re already experiencing from your neck region.
Pain When Angling Neck Downwards
When angling your neck downwards, you’re using a lot of strength and stamina to support your head. When you have text neck syndrome, you’ve most likely overworked your neck muscles to the point of exhaustion. The pain you’re experiencing when angling your head downwards after using your mobile device or computer for an extended period of time could be amplified when performing basic, daily tasks.
Treating Text Neck
Testing text neck can be an extended process, depending on the severity of your case. It’s important to remember the body is always trying to heal. If you provide your body with the right tools, nutrition, and rest/recovery; you’ll likely see positive results over time. Let’s explore some of the ways we’ve been able to help those suffering from text neck restore their health.
Correcting & Restoring Posture
Correcting the positioning of your neck through habit-forming exercises, and restoring your posture through strength training regimens will likely help you return to some level of normalcy and provide relief. Living with neck pain and discomfort can be a truly burdensome experience. With the right correction and restoration of proper posture, one can look forward to enjoying life pain-free once again.
Taking Breaks from the Computer & Phone
Establishing boundaries with your phone and computer usage is not only helpful for your text neck substorm, it’s also beneficial for your mental health wellbeing too. We’re constantly connected as human beings in our modern day and age. It’s only natural to take a break every now and then to help reset both your physical and mental state.
Focusing On Restoring Flexibility in Neck
Stretching and exercising with the help of our physical therapy team can help restore flexibility in your neck. Having a stiff neck with limited range of motion and flexibility due to text neck can be extremely frustrating. Working with our dedicated team to best resolve flexibility issues will help you begin to reestablish your overall strength, stamina, and resilience when it comes to your neck.
Strengthening Your Back Muscles
Our back muscles are connected tk our neck muscles, and when one is weak, it typically affects the other. Through strengthening the back and shoulder muscles, you’re able to set the right foundation for strengthening the neck muscles.
Physical Therapy for Text Neck
Physical therapy from a whole body perspective will help you regain control of your health and life. Our in-house team of physical therapists have been able to help many patients with various neck issues restore strength and posture over time.
Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Help Correcting Your Text Neck
If you’re noticing worsening with your text neck symptoms, you’ll want to contact us. We’ll be able to evaluate your text neck syndrome and determine the next best course of action to have you on the right path towards healing, health, wellness, and longevity. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.