How to Minimise the Effects of Text Neck
A recent study showed that almost 80% of the population between the ages 18 and 44 claim they carry their cell phones for over 90% of their waking day. The stress of constantly looking down at a phone leads to a host of problems stemming from what doctors in professional journals diagnose as Text Neck.
According to a 2017 study* titled “Text Neck” published in the Spine Journal, spine surgeons have noted a significant rise in the number of patients complaining of neck and upper back pain.
A study of over 7000 young adults between the ages of 20 and 24 showed persistent neck and upper back pain associated with time spent text messaging.
Accelerated neck and mid-back spinal degeneration becomes a likely side effect of the forward head flexion often experienced through texting. The increase in disc pressure during flexion contributes to disc degeneration and poor spinal health.
Chiropractic remains one of the most important and effective interventions to minimise and reverse the negative effects of texting.
The nervous system becomes imbalanced whenever spinal position or mobility becomes altered or misaligned. The resulting host of unwelcome conditions and symptoms includes: problems with immunity, digestion, attention, concentration, energy, breathing, headaches and even heart problems.
5 Simple Strategies to Prevent or Minimise the Effects of Text Neck
1) Hold cell phones (and all electronic devices) at eye level as much as possible.
2) Text with two hands to create more symmetry and minimise spinal imbalances.
3) Take frequent, long breaks from electronic devices throughout the day.
4) 20 second stretch – Pull your arms and shoulders back while tilting your head up to look up at the ceiling or sky. Do the 20-second stretch at least once every hour
5) Regular wellness visits to the Chiropractor
The body remains the most important device at everyone’s disposal. Ensure the body operates at optimal function levels by keeping the spine and nervous system in peak performance with regular trips to the Chiropractor.
Are you or a family member is having neck or shoulder issues please do give me a call.
*The Spine Journal: Official journal of the North American Society June 2017 “Text Neck’: an epidemic of the modern era of cell phones?” JM Cuellar, TH Lanman
