Text Neck: What is It and How Do I Prevent It?
The sharp increase of handheld communication accessibility in the last decade has caused a cultural shift. Suddenly, the way people communicate has changed. Now, much of our conversations occur more in the virtual world and less in the real world.
Everyone has a different opinion nowadays on the effects of social media and instant communication. Some people think that the ability to instantly get in contact with someone increases individual safety, while others think it makes communication less valuable.
But did you know that frequent cell phone use can be detrimental to your health?
What is “Text Neck?”
How much time do you spend looking down at your phone or tablet, checking emails, texting friends, and browsing the internet? Would you say a few hours a day or more altogether? If so, you’re far from the only one.
“Text neck” is caused when someone looks down at their mobile device so often that it causes chronic neck and back pain.
The craned-neck posture that people often hold as they’re looking down at their phone eventually results in the deterioration of the cervical spine, the part of your spine that supports your neck and head.
The full prognosis of text neck remains to be seen until the generation that grew up with such accessible technology grows old.
It’s impossible to know right now what the lifelong effects are of straining your neck and back in such a way, though some professionals speculate that text neck can trigger an early onset of arthritis of the neck.
However, text neck is already proven to cause a variety of health problems, including severe chronic upper back pain, neck and shoulder muscles spasms, and pinched cervical nerves.
Children and teenagers are most susceptible to these ailments because they typically are exposed to this technology at an earlier age than adults of today.
How to Prevent Text Neck
You don’t have to stop using your electronic mobile devices to keep yourself from getting text neck. All it takes to save your neck and back is to be mindful of your posture and how much you’re looking down at your phone.
If you have to look at your phone, laptop, or any other electronic, keep it eye-level so that you’re not straining your neck or back. Set specific times during the day to check your email. You can also dedicate a period of the time during the day when you take a break from your mobile device.
As long as you’re not craning your neck or slouching, you’re not putting unnecessary and damaging stress to your back and neck.
Dr. Pachter, D.C., Cares About Your Chiropractic Needs
Do you think you may be already suffering from the effects of text neck?
Dr. Les Pachter is a chiropractor based in Boca Raton, FL and is dedicated to assisting all of his patients with their chiropractic needs. Call Dr. Pachter to schedule an appointment and learn more about what you can do to reduce the damage caused by text neck at (561) 477-8588.