Are you someone who frequently texts, or perhaps your children are? Do you find yourself engrossed in reading e-books on your tablet for extended periods? It’s essential to take heed of the following information, as it could potentially spare you from future health issues, particularly headaches. We’re not suggesting you ditch your cell phone or Kindle altogether, but becoming mindful of your device usage could prove beneficial.
What the heck is Text-Neck?
Text-Neck, a relatively new syndrome, is impacting millions of Americans annually, often without their knowledge or awareness. Perhaps some individuals are simply indifferent to its effects. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to understand the facts. Just like a car has a neutral position, so does the human body. This neutral position, where the head rests directly above the shoulders, minimizes stress on the skeletal system. However, when texting, the head is often leaned forward and downward, creating an angle of approximately 45-60 degrees in front of the shoulders. This forward neck posture, sustained for prolonged periods, poses risks to our health.
In the neutral position, the head exerts about ten to twelve pounds of stress on the neck and shoulder muscles. Now, imagine carrying around four to six ten-pound bowling balls on your neck—a staggering forty to sixty pounds of stress on those muscles due to poor neck posture. It’s evident that Text-Neck doesn’t belong on the “nice list,” and it’s crucial to consider strategies for improving neck posture. While smartphones and tablets are ingrained in our culture, it’s essential to be mindful of the symptoms associated with Text-Neck.
Text-Neck Symptoms
With nearly seventy-seven percent of Americans owning smartphones and spending upwards of fourteen hundred hours on their devices each year, and teenagers dedicating nearly five thousand hours, it’s highly likely that many are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Spinal Misalignment
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Chronic Headaches
- Upper Back Pain
- Muscle Tightness
- Shoulder Pain
Long-Term Effects
Imagine driving your car with its wheels out of alignment. It might seem fine at first, but eventually, it will veer off the road, leading to potential disaster.
Similarly, when your spine is out of alignment, it can have serious consequences. Research published in the 2013 Journal of Gerontology indicates that even a slight misalignment of the neck increases the risk of coronary artery disease by sixty-four percent.
Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, it’s essential to take posture seriously. Additionally, studies in the Journal of Spine suggest that spinal misalignment can impact brain function. Ignoring these warning signs is akin to ignoring your car’s check engine light.
Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms of Text-Neck, being mindful of your posture can profoundly impact your future health. Take a moment to check your posture right now, whether you’re reading this on your phone or computer. If you’re concerned about the effects of poor posture, give us a call. We can provide exercises to help reverse its effects and promote better spinal health.
Sources:
1. http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheet/mobile/
2. https://www.voanews.com/a/text-neck-a-growing-problem-for-smartphone-users/2528284.html
