
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?
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:
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.