Neck pain is among the most common types of pain there is, but not every type of neck pain is the same. Aches and pains change over time, depending on the way we live our lives. One example that is growing in frequency is text neck. Text neck is caused by holding the neck angled down to look at a phone or tablet or even a game or e-reader for an extended period of time. This results in an ache in the cervical spine and shoulders and the back of the head. At Secrest Family Chiropractic in Scottsdale, AZ, our chiropractor diagnoses text neck and provides all-natural treatment options to alleviate neck pain.

How Text Neck Develops

Typically, when texting, a person will lean the head forward 15 degrees, which will put more than 25 pounds of force on the neck. The further you lean forward, the more pressure gets added. When this position is held for long periods of time, it damages the neck and causes pain. Anyone who regularly uses a phone or electronic device is at risk of developing this condition. Since more people use smartphones now, the condition is prevalent in many different age groups.

Symptoms of Text Neck

The immediate or near immediate impact of text neck is a dull or stabbing pain in the lower neck, neck stiffness, pain that radiates into shoulders or arms, weakened shoulders, and headaches. As text neck becomes more of an issue, it may lead to disc compression, spinal degeneration, and early onset arthritis. This neck pain can also lead to headaches and migraines, as blood is not flowing properly through the body. Neck pain can make it difficult to sleep and do everyday tasks.

How to Manage the Pain from Text Neck

Like with any condition, prevention is a key component of managing text neck. Being mindful to limit the angle that your head is tilted will reduce the extent of the injury for anyone who texts frequently. It is important to take needed breaks in order to limit the impact of smartphone use. Listening to your body is important, and take proper breaks as needed when you start to feel pain and stiffness. Try to hold your device up higher or support your neck with a pillow so it is not strained.

Text Neck Treatment

Our chiropractor uses spinal adjustments to realign the spine and neck, alleviating pain and tension. A properly aligned spine is vital for overall wellness. We also offer massage therapy to reduce tension in the neck muscles and improve blood flow. Our chiropractor will also give you exercises to improve your range of motion in your neck and alleviate pain.

Visit Our Chiropractor in Scottsdale, AZ for Neck Pain Relief

If you are experiencing symptoms of text neck, we can help. At Secrest Family Chiropractic in Scottsdale, AZ, our chiropractor provides customized care to help your neck heal. We will also guide you on how to avoid text neck and recurring pain. Call us today to schedule an appointment.