Text Neck
Neck pain, headaches and stiffness
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Text neck... what is it?
Do you ever experience headaches in the back of your head or behind your eyes? What about neck or shoulder pain, or a radiating pain/numbness, which may be accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation in your arms? Do you ever wake up in the morning with a stiff neck? Have you noticed that these symptoms have gotten worse over time? Do you realize it most when you’re driving, using your computer, sitting in a reclined position, or using your phone? If this sounds like you please read our tips for neck pain page Causes of Text Neck does anyone not have a smartphone these days, and active smartphone users are essentially tethered to their devices. Using a smartphone all day, every day, actually impacts your posture, and most people don’t even realize it’s happening! |
Our relationship with iPhones, iPads, smart phones, mobile texting and browsing can wreak havoc with our health. If you have ever experienced pain, tension, pins and needles and stiffness in your wrists, arms, shoulders and neck, then it is time to take action and rethink your relationship with your device.
The good news is that you can take measures to prevent or lessen most Neck pain episodes. Your physiotherapist is an expert who treats and can help you to prevent neck pain.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the easiest way to recover quickly from neck pain and to prevent a recurrence
Text neck... what is it?
Are smartphones a pain in the neck? According to new research carried out by a US doctor, they are far worse – “text neck” is becoming an epidemic that could lead to permanent damage.
The posture we adopt as we stare at our phones, according to the surgeon behind the paper, increases the stress on the neck and can cause excessive wear and tear that may eventually require an operation to correct it.
Dr Kenneth Hansraj says that although our heads weigh between 10lb and 12lb (4.5-5.5kg approx), as we angle them down to look at our phones, the effective weight on our necks increases – at a 15-degree angle it is about 27lb rising to 60lb at 60 degrees.
With smartphone users now spending an average of two to four hours a day with their heads dropped down, this results in “700 to 1,400 hours a year of excess stresses seen about the cervical spine”, according to the research.
Sammy Margo, from the UK’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, says she thinks “text neck” is on the rise. “People carry out their lives by text, they get carried away and don’t realise they need a break.”
If this sounds like you please read our tips for neck pain page
The good news is that you can take measures to prevent or lessen most Neck pain episodes. Your physiotherapist is an expert who treats and can help you to prevent neck pain.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the easiest way to recover quickly from neck pain and to prevent a recurrence
Text neck... what is it?
Are smartphones a pain in the neck? According to new research carried out by a US doctor, they are far worse – “text neck” is becoming an epidemic that could lead to permanent damage.
The posture we adopt as we stare at our phones, according to the surgeon behind the paper, increases the stress on the neck and can cause excessive wear and tear that may eventually require an operation to correct it.
Dr Kenneth Hansraj says that although our heads weigh between 10lb and 12lb (4.5-5.5kg approx), as we angle them down to look at our phones, the effective weight on our necks increases – at a 15-degree angle it is about 27lb rising to 60lb at 60 degrees.
With smartphone users now spending an average of two to four hours a day with their heads dropped down, this results in “700 to 1,400 hours a year of excess stresses seen about the cervical spine”, according to the research.
Sammy Margo, from the UK’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, says she thinks “text neck” is on the rise. “People carry out their lives by text, they get carried away and don’t realise they need a break.”
If this sounds like you please read our tips for neck pain page
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Treatment of neck pain
Your physiotherapy treatment will address: · Massage · Dry needling / Acupuncture · Pilates (Reformer, Clinical) · Joint mobilization · Joint manipulation · Traction · Trigger point therapy · Strapping and taping · Electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound, TENS) · Stretching · Bracing · Postural education & retraining for sitting, driving, standing · Soft tissue work. · Correct postural aids such as chair supports and pillows · Taping and or braces · Corrective exercises to fix the underlying issues. · Postural taping or bracing · Anti-inflammatory advice · Activity modification advice · Exercises to improve flexibility, strength and posture |
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Recurrence of Text Neck/Neck pain
Recurrence of neck pain can occur. The main reason it is thought to recur is due to insufficient rehabilitation. In particular, poor compliance with posture deep abdominal core muscle exercises.
Your physiotherapist will assist you in identifying the best exercises for you to continue indefinitely.
Neck Pain Outlook (Prognosis)
Untreated Neck pain can linger, becoming chronic or even worsen requiring more intensive physio, nerve damage or even surgery.
Most sufferers of Neck pain will recover within 4 to 8 weeks. However, this time can vary greatly as it depends on both the nature of your injury and your compliance to the treatment plan
Recurrence of neck pain can occur. The main reason it is thought to recur is due to insufficient rehabilitation. In particular, poor compliance with posture deep abdominal core muscle exercises.
Your physiotherapist will assist you in identifying the best exercises for you to continue indefinitely.
Neck Pain Outlook (Prognosis)
Untreated Neck pain can linger, becoming chronic or even worsen requiring more intensive physio, nerve damage or even surgery.
Most sufferers of Neck pain will recover within 4 to 8 weeks. However, this time can vary greatly as it depends on both the nature of your injury and your compliance to the treatment plan
What do I do next?
If you are suffering from neck pain, headaches, pins and needles or tingling, first read our tips for neck pain page if symptoms continue please call our practice for some direction.
