Text Neck (A.K.A. Tech Neck, Forward Head Posture)
What is Text Neck?
Text Neck is the name given to the syndrome of injuries that occur in the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the neck and upper back when they are subjected to long term postural distortions. The huge number of hours that we spend looking down at smartphones, looking down at computer screens, slouching over textbooks, and watching TV, are causing physical changes to the shape of our spines.
How is Text Neck affecting us?
Text neck causes our heads to move forward over time until our neck is actually stuck too far forward! When the head is stuck forward it leads to extra wear and tear on the spine and muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This wear and tear has consequences, including;
- Early spinal degeneration (arthritis of the spine)
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder pain
- Upper back pain
- Headaches
- Pinched nerves
- Disk herniation
Eventually these issues can even lead to back surgery.
Text Neck - Reversed Neck Curve Healthy Neck Curve
How does posture lead to injury?
Our bodies are amazingly adaptable! When we practice a new skill, or learn a new language, the nerves in our brain begin to grow and change until a memory is formed. When we go to the gym and lift weights we begin to build bigger, stronger muscles. The same is true for our bones, when we place stress on one part of a bone over another our body begins to change shape. The small bones of our spine are especially vulnerable to these shape changes.
What can we do about Text Neck?
- Raise your smartphone up to eye level and look down with your eyes, dont bend your neck down!
- Elevate your computer work station to eye level.
- Stand up and stretch your neck, shoulders, and back every 20 minutes while working at the computer.
- Strengthen your posture muscles! These are the small muscles very close to your spine.
- Move every bone through its FULL range of motion every day
- Consult with a posture expert!
Need a check-up or screening?
If you, or anybody that you know, needs a posture and spinal exam to see how posture and lifestyle are effecting your spine, muscles, and movement, Ultra Chiropractic is offering a free exam (including x-rays if necessary) to anybody who mentions 'Free Posture Exam' when making an initial appointment! This free exam also includes a second visit with the doctors to go over all of the exam findings. Give us a call or simply submit your information below for a free, no-risk, no-obligation consultation with one of our doctors. Want to read more? 'Text Neck' is becoming and 'epidemic' and could wreck your spine.
