Do You Have ‘Text Neck’?

“Text neck” is a term used to describe a condition that results from excessive and prolonged use of mobile devices, smartphones, tablets, and computers, which often leads to poor posture. As people spend more time looking down at their devices, it can cause strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort in those areas.

Looking downwards even at a slight angle of 30 degrees has been shown to place almost 20 kg of pressure on the neck which is four times greater than what the neck is designed to hold! These postural habits can change the curvature and positioning of the bones in the neck, predisposing to early wear and tear.

Only 10% of our nervous system can feel pain, so damage to soft tissues can occur before symptoms become obvious. Most commonly the first symptoms are headaches and neck pain, but text neck can also lead to breathing, thyroid and sinus issues

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can be an effective approach to correcting the problems of text neck. As chiropractors, we are trained to locate and correct the misalignments of the spine.
When a patient presents with symptoms of this condition, we typically perform a thorough examination to assess the patient’s posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment.

Chiropractic care for text neck may include the following:

Spinal adjustments

Using gentle and specific manual manipulations we can realign the spine and reduce joint restrictions, aiming to ease pain and improve overall spinal function.

Posture correction

We can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture while using devices or working on computers to prevent further strain on the neck and upper back.

Stretching and exercises

To improve the flexibility and strength of the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles, we may also give stretching and strengthening exercises.

Ergonomic recommendations

We often suggest changes to the patient’s workspace setup and device usage to encourage healthier habits and better posture.

Lifestyle advice

To promote overall wellbeing, we can offer lifestyle recommendations such as regular breaks from device usage and physical activity.

What to Expect

At Stott Chiropractic, we will show you on an X-ray exactly the problems the text neck may have caused, and how advanced your condition may be. We will locate and correct your problem, stop the pain, and most times reverse the problems caused by the text neck to restore proper function to your nerves.

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing symptoms of this modern malady, we are here to help. Please contact us at (07) 3214 3661 to set an appointment today. Text neck is a growing problem—don’t give it time to become a major one.