As technology continues to rapidly evolve and mobile devices become more and more accessible to the general public, health professionals around the world are noticing a sharp increase in patients complaining about stiff and aching necks. The culprit: text neck.
According to recent research, 95% of adults in America own a cell phone of which at least 77% of those are smartphones. As such, it is increasingly common to see individuals assuming “iPosture” or “text neck.”
“Text neck” is a newly emerging term used to diagnose a condition associated with the overuse of electronic devices. Text neck syndrome is due to repetitive strain from assuming a frequent forward head or flexed neck posture resulting in exponential forces being placed on the spine. Every inch that your head leans forward increases the pounds of pressure being exerted on your spine and neck.
How Text Neck Affects the Body
From sports highlights to Instagram Stories, many of us are constantly craning our neck in a forward, turkey-like position to get an optimal view of the screen. However, what this does is hold our neck and shoulder muscles in a compensated position. Eventually, this leads to the degradation of your cervical discs.
Think of this as a constant riding of the shocks. When these cushiony barriers are worn down, not only can intense aching ensue but the full range of neck motion will be severely limited and stiff. Without proper attention, this compensated position can lead to the fusion of the vertebrae. Common indicators of text neck include neck and shoulder aches, chronic headaches, shortness of breath, numbness in the arms and neurological dysfunction and losses.
Holistic Treatments for Text Neck
One of the easiest and simplest ways to combat this compensated position is by simply bringing your head back above your body, keeping your ears and most importantly, the weight of your head centralized above your shoulders. In effect, this relieves the pressure from your cervical discs and promotes a natural C Curve in the upper spine.
“The more time we are required as a society to spend utilizing technology the more we need to stay focused on our posture,” says Dr. David Tolk of Tolk Wellness Center. “Don’t be a turkey and lead with your chin/neck! Be a human and keep the chin tucked back to allow the ears to remain level with your shoulders!”
In addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture can be equally effective in comparison with other conventional medical treatments, especially in cases associated with chronic pain such as text neck. Specific points that may be used to target symptoms of text neck include addressing the target area as well as peripheral associated locations. Treatment is usually administered within a four to six-week protocol (best results occur with twice per week visits). It enables the body to gently embrace this energy re-adjustment, alignment and dispersal allowing for effective relief longevity as well as prevention (we suggest maintenance visits once or twice per month thereafter).
Check out the above video to learn more about how you can improve your posture and relieve your body from chronic aches and stiffness. For more information about text neck and how to avoid it, visit www.TolkWellnessCenter.com