If you work in an office environment or know someone who does, you've probably heard the term "text neck" floated around from time to time. What does this term mean, and how might it apply to that nagging neck pain you've been experiencing? Here are the answers to some frequently asked text neck questions at Pinnacle Chiropractic & Rehab in West Fargo, ND.
What is Text Neck?
Text neck is a form of chronic strain that affects both the soft tissues of the neck and the cervical spinal joints. It gets its name from its association with sufferers who make frequent use of their mobile devices.
Mobile Device Usage and Text Neck
Although mobile devices don't directly cause text neck, the postures that they encourage can. Many people have an unconscious tendency to droop their heads down at an angle to read onscreen text or view onscreen videos. Others may bend their heads at an angle to hear phone audio more clearly in a noisy room. These unnatural postures place extra strain on the neck.
What Other Postural or Ergonomic Issues Can Cause Text Neck?
You don't have to be a heavy smartphone or tablet user to suffer from text neck. If you habitually allow your head to droop or hang forward, you're a candidate for this painful syndrome. A computer placed too low, for instance, or constantly stooping over any kind of manual work can encourage text neck.
Symptoms of Text Neck
Chronic neck pain and stiffness are the most obvious symptoms of text neck. Tightness in the muscles and impingement of cervical nerve roots can also produce shoulder, hand, or arm pain, along with other odd symptoms such as tingling or numbness. You may even suffer from chronic headaches and eye strain associated with text neck.
Complications
Untreated text neck can have long-term implications for your spinal health. The cervical spine can develop issues such as facet joint inflammation, cervical osteoarthritis, bulging, or herniated discs.
Chiropractic Care for Text Neck
Our chiropractor can administer gentle adjustments to neck structures that have lost their alignment due to text neck. We can also administer cervical spinal decompression, soft tissue therapies, physical therapy, and electrical stimulation to ease your symptoms naturally.
Get More Answers from Your Neck Pain Experts in West Fargo, ND
Call Pinnacle Chiropractic & Rehab today at (701) 532-1699 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.
