Causes, symptoms and treatment of text neck syndrome

The use of mobile devices is now part of everyday life, also in children and adolescents. It is true that they provide endless comforts and advantages but, on the other hand, Prolonged use of mobile phones can cause health problems. Among them, the text neck, or “text neck”, with important consequences on the spine.

What is text neck?

Text neck, literally, “text neck,” is a term created by chiropractor Dean L. Fishman in 2008. It refers to health problems due to prolonged use of mobile devices. Especially Smartphone use generates great tension in the cervical area.

This is a problem that comes hand in hand with technology, since flexing the neck to look at the screen of the laptop, tablet or smartphone generates great tension both in the muscles and in the spine itself.

This extra effort, which is now part of everyday life, has, over time, important consequences for health.

Causes of "text neck"

The text collar appears due to the  poor posture when using mobile phones or tablets, in which the chin is brought closer to the chest and, consequently, the neck is placed in flexion.

The tension that the neck supports increases considerably when tilting the head forward, and with it the muscle load in the cervical area, which has consequences for health.

On average, an adult's head weighs between 4 and 5 kilos, but bending over to look at the mobile phone screen can cause pressure of up to 27 kilos in the cervical area.

The big problem is that the increase in the consumption of mobile devices leads to very long and constant times in this position.

Symptoms of text neck

Tex neck syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as contractures, which appear due to the tension to which the neck and head muscles are subjected. These contractures can be accompanied by stiffness and pain in the area and, in cases of greater intensity, cause headaches and dizziness.

Another symptom derived from 'Text Neck' is pain or inflammation of the articular facets, located in the spine.

The combination of all these ailments can be very annoying for the patient, causing bruxism and insomnia in some cases.

Consequences of text collar

If it is not remedied, maintaining the spinal flexion position in the cervical area over time can cause:

• Changes in posture, with the head forward.
• Flattening of the spine in the cervical area.
• Disc displacement (cervical hernia).
• Early arthritis.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Loss of lung volume capacity.
• Deterioration
• Damaged nerves.

Treatment for text neck syndrome

Although its appearance is recent,  Text neck syndrome is increasingly common in consultations.

We must remain attentive, above all, to the postures of children and adolescents when using mobile devices, since they usually spend many hours a day in front of them.

When symptoms appear, it is important to go to traumatologists experts in the spine and cervical region to prevent future more serious injuries, such as herniated discs.

Techniques to treat text neck are usually based on postural reeducation exercises, increased mobility in the spine and work on the affected muscles.

Each case is different, at ICAC we offer personalized treatments from the best professionals.

Tips to prevent neck pain in the digital age

Without a doubt, prevention is much better than cure, therefore, we want to ask you the following: recommendations, which can avoid the consequences of text neck on the muscles and spine.

Postural hygiene is very important and the use of lumbar cushions (sold in physiotherapy clinics, trauma clinics and some pharmacies) or pillows can even help to support the area and avoid bad posture.

Using mobile devices for prolonged periods of time can increase neck pain, Therefore, it is recommended to reduce its use and, if necessary, raise your head and place the phone or tablet in a higher position.

Whenever possible, use the computer instead of the phone, since the posture in front of the computer screen is not as aggressive for the back as the one adopted in front of the mobile phone.

Exercise to strengthen the muscles involved in supporting our spine in its natural position, such as yoga and Pilates, which promote adequate postural hygiene. Besides, Stretching regularly will help keep the muscles in the cervical area in shape.

From time to time, relax your muscles in bed, as a rest. If your work involves spending hours in front of a computer, take frequent breaks during which it is advisable to stand up and walk.

Best Stretches for Text Neck Syndrome

Neck and back stretches help prevent injuries and also relieve pain in this area.

Some suitable exercises are:

• Neck movements in rotation, for the cervical.
• Lateral stretches by tilting the head to the sides, which elongates the trapezius.
• Stretch the pectoral, dorsal and interscapular muscles.
• Neck movements forward and backward.

Neck and back pain is very common nowadays, especially if we spend long periods of time using mobile devices, therefore, at the first signs of pain it is a good idea to go to a center specialized in the spine to avoid, in a future, more serious pathologies. At ICAC we put at your service the best column professionals in Madrid. You can count with us.