Chiropractors Treat “Text Neck”
It is almost impossible to walk down the streets of our beautiful St. Petersburg without seeing people glued to their cell phones. This widespread use of handheld digital devices is causing stress on the neck and back that chiropractors have coined “text neck.” The neck (cervical spine) and the back protect nerves that run down the body; when the neck is pulled forward, nerves can become pinched and misaligned.
Chiropractor care is crucial to alleviate pain and correct these problems with spinal manipulations and therapeutic exercises. At Radiant Wellness Center, we also educate our patients on ergonomic principles and ways to prevent future issues.
This habit of having our heads bent down looking at our mobile phones puts a lot of strain on the neck and upper back, causing pain and stiffness. Over time, text neck can compress the discs and weaken the muscles in the upper back and neck. This can lead to headaches, shoulder pain, numbness or tingling in the arms and hands, and radiating neck and upper back pain.
As Chiropractors, we specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, including the spine and neck. Let us recommend exercises, stretches and chiropractic adjustments to help you improve your posture, alleviate neck pain and prevent text neck.
Here are 3 basic tips that can help prevent “text neck” or stop it from returning:
1. Get a New Chair and/or new Phone Holder
When you hunch over your mobile phone or tablet it places a large amount of pressure on your spine. This forward pressure causes the nerves in your upper back to become pinched or compressed (herniated) which leads to pain, weakness, and poor posture over time. A new chair or new phone holder can potentially help with text neck by providing better ergonomic support and encouraging healthier posture while using electronic devices.
Remember that no single chair can completely eliminate the risk of text neck. It’s important to practice good ergonomics while using devices regardless of the chair you’re using. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or pain, consider scheduling a visit for guidance.
2. Take Frequent Breaks
Keeping your head in the forward and down position for extended periods of time is not something your neck (cervical spine) was designed to handle. The average human head weighs 10-12 pounds and the further your head is angled down the more stress it places on your spine and muscles. Your spine protects your nerves that run down the neck, back and throughout the body. It is important to take frequent breaks from your electronic devices and to practice good posture at all times. Taking those frequent breaks, regularly changing your posture, adjusting the screen height, and incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine can all contribute to preventing text neck and promoting overall musculoskeletal health.
3. Get Adjusted
At our wellness center we can treat this misalignment with gentle adjustments that provide instant relief and promote long term spinal health. You will also learn of various suggested stretches and easy to incorporate lifestyle modifications to prevent text neck flare-ups.
Taking preventive measures like these is the best way to avoid text neck in the first place.
As Chiropractors, we are the best medical professionals to correct this condition because we have specialized training in adjusting the vertebrae of the cervical spine as well as techniques to help loosen tight muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
We will also give you exercises that will strengthen the muscles in your neck, back and shoulders. You can practice these exercises at home to improve your posture and reduce your risk of getting text neck in the future.
At Radiant Wellness Center we have an excellent track record of helping people address this health issue and get back to better posture. Schedule your visit to avoid or correct text neck, and maintain a healthy relationship with technology in the future.