What is tech or text neck? Tips to prevent and who to see to help you with it

So what is tech neck?

Tech neck, also referred to as text neck, is a new name for an old issue — neck pain caused by repetitive strain and injury to the muscles and other tissue structures of the cervical spine.

The ever-evolving screen technology we’ve come to love and even rely on lies at the root of tech neck, hence the nickname.

What does the weight of my head have to do with my tech neck?

The average adult head weighs 10-12 pounds, which is supported by the bony structures, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck. But when you tilt your head forward and look down, which is the standard posture for texting, the weight of your head places 50-60 pounds of force on the neck.

Your neck simply isn’t built to withstand that type of force for prolonged periods. The result is muscular and ligamentous strain and other structural issues that cause the symptoms associated with tech neck.

What are the symptoms of tech neck?

Symptoms related to tech neck are typically mild in the initial phases and increase as the condition advances. The most frequently reported symptoms to include:
Generalized aching discomfort in the lower neck, shoulders, and upper back
Sharp, stabbing pain that’s intense and localized in one spot
Headaches
Reduced mobility or stiffness in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
Increased pain when tilting the head forward and looking down to text or type
Jaw pain due to misalignment of the cervical spine
Tingling pain and numbness in the arms and hands, related to spinal nerve irritation and inflammation
Prolonged screen time can also cause deconditioning of certain muscles in your neck, chest, and upper back. This makes it difficult to maintain good posture, with your ears directly over the shoulders, which can worsen the symptoms associated with tech neck.

Treating and preventing tech neck

Depending on your symptoms, effective treatment for tech neck often requires a multipronged approach. For instance, the muscular strain associated with tech neck, typically responds well to rest, chiropractic adjustments, ice or heat therapy, chiropractic rehabilitation, and massage. For irritated discs and spinal nerves (which can cause pain radiating into the arms and hands), Dr. Walker may recommend non-surgical decompression therapy to help.

An important component of treating as well as preventing tech neck is correcting the poor posture that stresses and strains your neck, which may include:

Tips on how to keep your phone or screen at eye level
Learning stretching exercises to relieve the strain on your neck muscles
Developing good overall posture and learning to recognize what that feels like

Dr. Walkers’ primary goal is to develop a treatment strategy that relieves your current symptoms, allows continued enjoyment of today’s screen technology, and helps prevent future problems with tech neck.

For outstanding care that’s always focused on relieving your pain and restoring your quality of life, schedule a visit with Dr. Walker today.

Author

Casey Walker, D.C. Casey Walker, D.C. is the founder of R2 Wellness Centers a chiropractic clinic, family-owned and operated in Lowell, Indiana. R2 Wellness Centers mission is, to create health within so that you can live your life free from pain and suffering, Live Your Life, Today. He has been practicing chiropractic since graduating from Palmer Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in 2005. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, cycling and fly-fishing.

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