Text Neck Syndrome

Introduction

Text neck syndrome, also called tech neck or smartphone syndrome, is caused by looking down at electronic devices for a long period. Excess stress is applied over the neck and the spine when the head is tilted forward and downward to look at the screen. This syndrome occurs when the neck muscles strain to balance the neck when the person looks down at the mobile screen. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by Text Neck Syndrome?

A normal head weighs 10 to 12 pounds, but it increases when tilted down to look at the device screen. When the head is tilted down, more stress is applied over the neck muscles to balance the head. This condition occurs when more stress is exerted over the neck muscles. When there is prolonged stress over the neck, it can result in spinal issues such as pinched nerves and deterioration of the spine. The bending posture of the neck affects the curvature of the spine, muscles of the neck and the shoulder, and the ligaments supporting it,

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Associated With Text Neck Syndrome?

Some common symptoms related to text neck syndrome are

• Sharp neck and shoulder pain.

• Reduced range of motion due to stiffness and tightness of the neck muscles.

• Eye pain.

• Headache, which is constant or intermittent.

• Nerve pain.

• Tingling effect in the upper limbs.

What Are the Causative Factors of Text Neck Syndrome?

The common cause of text neck syndrome is prolonged use of mobile phones or video games which involves bending the neck for a prolonged time. Usage of these devices results in improper posture of the neck, which can result in excessive stress over the neck muscle. Other than these causative factors, other factors that result in text neck syndrome are

• Computer Usage:

Text neck syndrome is also caused by prolonged use of computers and laptops, which can contribute to this syndrome if the monitors are not placed at eye level or if the monitor is incorrectly placed.

• Tablets and E-readers:

If the tablets or e-readers are held at improper angles, then prolonged use of these devices can result in text neck syndrome.

• Video Gaming:

Those people who spend more time in video gaming hold their head in a sprained ankle, which can result in text neck syndrome.

People's activities and lifestyles can be a main contributing factor to this condition. So a person's posture matters if they follow any activity where the head is tilted to an angle.

How Is Text Neck Syndrome Diagnosed?

The doctor diagnoses this condition with the signs and symptoms experienced by the person, physical examination, and medical history. Some imaging tests, such as X-rays, help doctors know the extent of the spinal damage and the person's posture.

How Is Text Neck Syndrome Managed?

Text neck syndrome is usually treated through various modalities such as:

1. Physical Therapy:

In physical therapy, the therapist specializes in creating rehabilitation programs for each individual, which help enhance posture and help patients retain normal muscle function. In the case of physical therapy, the treatment will be planned in such a way that combines manual therapy and corrective exercises, which helps to

• Reduce the stress exerted over the spine.

• Strengthen the inhibited muscle.

• Lengthen the tight and short muscles.

By performing physical therapy, control over the body posture can be regained, and pain can be managed.

2. Chiropractic Care:

It is a treatment modality used to treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the spine. This treatment is planned in such a way that it involves manual therapy, which includes spinal manipulation.

3. Pain Management:

Pain management includes gentle stretching and massage.

4. Exercise:

Text neck syndrome can be managed through exercises focusing on strengthening and flexibility of the neck and back. Some stretching exercises can be followed to manage text neck syndrome; some are

5. Chin Tuck:

In an upright sitting position, tuck the chin like doing a double chin, where the nose and chin should face forward, not downward. Hold this position for five seconds.

6. Upper Back and Neck:

In a standing position, bend the elbows while the fingers are pointed backward. While doing this, the shoulder blades are pulled down and in.

7. Shoulder Circles:

Repeat the arm up, back, and down in a rotation motion.

8. Side-To-Side Stretching Exercise:

Move the head to look in the direction through one shoulder and then turn the head toward the other shoulder.

What Are the Other Health Conditions That Text Neck Syndrome Can Cause?

• When the text neck syndrome is not treated properly, it can result in other health conditions such as arthritis. Poor posture can break the discs in the spine and can result in severe pain if the condition is not treated on time.

• Subacromial impingement is a condition that can be caused due to improper posture. This can also result in inflammation of the shoulder. This condition can result in stenosis which is characterized by disc protrusion and narrowing of the spinal canal.

• The disc can bulge and rupture as it undergoes much wear and tear. When the disc is ruptured, it pinches the nerve, resulting in a different form of pain. This condition needs to be treated through surgery.

• Text neck syndrome can result in long-term damage to the spinal cord and cervical nerves.

How to Prevent Text Neck Syndrome?

There are some ways by which text neck syndrome can be prevented. Some are

• While using a mobile phone, it should be held at the eye level.

• Roll the shoulder blades backward as the chin is tucked in.

• While using mobile, breaks should be taken every 15 minutes.

• The positions should be shifted continuously.

• The device should be placed over a table instead of the floor for children.

Conclusion

Text neck syndrome is a common condition today that is caused by the use of electronic devices. This condition causes severe neck pain due to poor posture. Text neck syndrome needs to be treated, or it can worsen the condition and enhance the pain. Regular exercise, physical therapy, and proper posture can help to manage this condition.