Common Questions About Text Neck

You may have heard news reports about "text neck" in passing, but often, such reports don't give enough details to be of use. Here are some of the most frequent questions about it and their answers:

What is Text Neck?

This is a condition in which your upper back and/or neck hurt or spasm from leaning your head forward too long or too often. The name "text neck" arises from the fact that this posture is strongly associated with texting on a mobile device. Even so, the same neck pain arises from looking down at your phone for other reasons, too.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pain in the neck and/or upper back and shoulders is commonly reported. This can range from a constant, nagging ache all the way to excruciating spasms. If a nerve in the neck becomes pinched, you may also experience pain, tingling, or numbness running down one or both arms.

How Can I Prevent Text Neck?

One of the best ways to prevent it is to use a different posture. Instead of looking down to use your phone, hold it in front of your face or use a stand to prop it firmly on a surface of a suitable height. If this seems too awkward for you, look down by tucking your chin toward your chest instead of by bobbing your head forward pendulum-style.

It is also a good practice to stretch at various times during the day. To counter the stiffness that accompanies prolonged mobile device use, sit or stand up straight and hold your arms stiffly at your sides. Then, turn your arms so your thumbs point at the wall behind you.

Treating Text Neck

One of the keys to treatment is to strengthen your muscles so that they do not become as easily fatigued by your texting posture. A chiropractor will give you specific exercises to do.

Contact Our Local Chiropractor Today

If you have signs of a pinched nerve or other spinal problems in your neck, such as a loss of its natural curvature, see our chiropractor. Just call us at RxWellness Spine & Health in Herndon, VA to make an appointment.