Today, it’s hard to imagine life without our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. We rely on these devices for communication, entertainment, and work, often spending hours hunched over them. And it’s true: These devices have made our lives infinitely easier. Convenience is found at the tip of our fingers. It’s pretty incredible!
However, poor posture caused by the use of our electronic devices can lead to a condition known as “text neck.” Also known as forward head posture, this posture can lead to various symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, and more.
Luckily, your Plano chiropractor is here to help! Below, we explore what text neck is in more detail, as well as how your local chiropractor can guide you toward lasting relief.
What is Text Neck?
Text neck is a term used to describe the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your cell phone, tablet, or other wireless devices too frequently and for too long. When you bend your neck forward to look at your device, you place extra stress on your cervical spine, causing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck to work harder to support your head.
Surprisingly, the average human head weighs about 10-12 pounds. But as you bend your neck forward, the weight your cervical spine has to support increases dramatically. At a 30-degree angle, it’s as if your neck is supporting 39 pounds. At a 45-degree angle, it’s like your neck is holding up 49 pounds!
As you might have guessed, text neck is caused by the repetitive strain and stress placed on the cervical spine when you spend hours looking down at your devices.
Some common symptoms of text neck include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Upper back pain
- Shoulder pain and tightness
- Reduced mobility in the neck
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
If left untreated, text neck can lead to more serious complications, such as herniated discs, pinched nerves, and even breathing difficulties due to the compression of the cervical spine.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
As spinal specialists, chiropractors are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat text neck. Through a thorough assessment and gentle adjustments, your Plano chiropractor can help realign your cervical spine, relieving pressure on your nerves and reducing pain and inflammation.
In fact, when your spine is properly aligned, your entire body functions better. And this means chiropractic care can help improve your overall health and well-being, not just relieve your neck pain.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, headaches, or other symptoms related to text neck, consider seeking out the help of the Keystone Chiropractic team. With the right care and team of experts, you can overcome the symptoms of text neck (and potentially reverse it all together!). Contact us today to book your appointment.
