"Text Neck"

If you have a cell phone or ever use one, pay attention! Our changing culture of constant texting and browsing on mobile devices may actually be causing you pain TN1or headaches. Take a look at this picture – what do you look like when you’re on the phone?
The next time you’re engrossed in reading an article (or Facebook) take a break and think about your posture. If you’re looking like the person in the far right of the picture – you’re putting 60 pounds of stress on your neck! The average smartphone user spends almost 1,500 hours each year in this position (often closer to 7,000 hours for teenagers). This can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, and early degeneration possibly leading to chronic pain!
Our smart phones or tablets are here to stay so here are some quick tips to reduce the strain on your neck.

  • Take a break! Make sure you are changing positions and stretching your neck frequently.
  • Check your posture! Try not to slump or slouch in your chair – sit up tall and try using a smalltowel roll to support your low back.TN2
  • Try the chin tuck! Sitting or standing with good posture, gently tuck your chin back into your neck (don’t look down!) and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times and frequently throughout the day!TN3

If your neck is hurting and you think your posture or use of technology might be part of the problem, give us a call. We can give you individualized postural instruction, training, and help address any musculoskeletal issues that may be contributing to your pain!
-Erin Bell PT, DPT
Photos Courtesy of:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/11/20/text-neck-is-becoming-an-epidemic-and-could-wreck-your-spine/
https://www.youngsurvivorsbhm.org/tip-sheet/stretches-exercises/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_your_back_and_neck/hic_How_to_Cope_When_You_Have_Low_Back_Pain

4.99

Based on 522 reviews