What You Should Know About Text Neck and How to Manage It

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

What You Should Know About Text Neck and How to Manage It

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

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More and more teenagers are developing neck pain from looking down at their phones for long periods. This new neck injury is caused by the repetitive stress of looking at a phone and is becoming a global problem. 

Text neck can affect thousands of people, especially teenagers, as they are the most active users of electronic devices.

Here, Arlington chiropractic experts discuss how text neck affects teenagers in 2022:

Why Text Neck Is Happening

Text neck is a condition caused by looking down at your phone or other electronic devices for extended periods. This can lead to neck pain, headaches, and even migraines. The condition is becoming more and more common as more people use their phones and devices for hours on end. 

What Are the Symptoms of Text Neck

The symptoms of text neck are very similar to those of other types of neck pain. They can include: 

  •  Dull, aching pain in the neck
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Headaches
  • Shoulder pain
  • Pain that radiates down the arms
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms
  • Weakness in the arms
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must see a doctor or a physical therapist who can rule out any other potential causes of your pain. Text neck is a relatively new condition, so there is not a lot of research on the best way to treat it.

How Can You Prevent and Manage Text Neck

There are a few things you can do to help prevent and manage text neck: 

Take Frequent Breaks from your Gadgets

If you’re going to be using your devices for extended hours, make sure to take regular breaks. Get up and try to walk around every 20 minutes or so to give your neck and back a chance to stretch and move. 

Be Mindful of Your Posture

When you are using your gadgets, be mindful of your posture. Sit up straight and make sure your head is level with your shoulders. Avoid hunching over or slouching, as this will only put more strain on your neck and back. 

Adjust Screen Height If Possible

If you’re like the average person, you most likely spend a good chunk of your day staring at a screen. Whether you’re working on a laptop, scrolling through your phone, or catching up on your favorite show, it’s essential to be aware of the strain this can put on your neck. 

One way to avoid neck pain is to ensure the screen is at eye level. This way, you won’t have to tilt your head down to see the screen, and you can avoid putting unnecessary strain on your neck.

Stretch Your Back and Neck

You can do several stretches to help relieve the tension in your neck and back. Try doing some neck rolls or shoulder shrugs to loosen up the muscles. You can also try placing your hands on your head and gently pushing your head down to stretch the muscles in the back of your neck. 

Conclusion

Text neck is not to be taken lightly. The condition can lead to long-term damage and pain in the neck and shoulders. If you experience any pain or discomfort while texting, it is important to seek medical help. Chiropractic treatments can significantly help, too. 

Hawkeye Chiropractic offers the services of an experienced chiropractor for neck pain and other body aches. Schedule your appointment today and experience relief from text neck!

“Dr Drew is upfront about what’s going on with your body. He helps work with you to achieve the goals that you as a patient want to set. I highly recommend him to those interested in chiropractic services.P.S Go Cyclones!”

Pronoy DasGupta