The Problem of “Text Neck” and Neck Pain

A problem called “text neck” is increasingly becoming a problem among people of all ages. Smartphone usage has never been higher. As we crane our necks over our phones for hours a day, we’re increasingly seeing the consequences in the form of neck and back pain. Text neck is a repeated stress injury caused by excessive smartphone use. If you spend hours a day texting, watching videos, or playing games on a smartphone or tablet, then you may develop symptoms of text neck.

Worryingly, symptoms of text neck are increasingly being seen in children and infants. Smartphone and tablet usage among children is higher than ever. For all of these reasons, chiropractors are seeing more cases of text neck than ever before. 

Symptoms of text neck include:

• Localized pain, typically in the lower neck area; most patients describe a dull, aching pain,

although some patients experience a sharp pain

• A stiff neck with difficulty moving after long periods of using a smartphone or tablet

• Radiating pain in your shoulders and upper arms

• Headaches from sub-occipital muscle tightness, including tension headaches

• Muscular weakness in the shoulders

• General pain, stiffness, and mobility issues across the neck, back, and shoulders

• More serious symptoms can include spinal degeneration, disc compression, muscle weakness,

and loss of lung capacity

Tilting your head forward by even just 15 degrees will place over 25 pounds of added pressure on your neck. As you tilt your head even further forward, it adds even more pressure. Over time, this can cause severe effects on your spine. Your spine isn’t designed to carry this weight unevenly. It’s designed to carry your head balanced on top of your head. Preventing Text Neck

Some of the best ways to prevent text neck include:

• Avoid excessive use of a phone or tablet

• Take frequent breaks to stretch your body and neck

• Avoid holding yourself in the same position for extended periods of time

• Position your smartphone or tablet in a way that reduces stress on your body; prop your phone

up in front of you while keeping your head and neck in a neutral position, for example

• Avoid holding larger, heavier devices in one hand for an extended period of time

If you have experienced neck pain caused by text neck or other symptoms, then you may wish to

schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.