Text (Tech) Neck
Text (Tech) Neck
Text neck? Tech neck? What is that?
Text neck refers to the head position when someone has their head bent forward and down mesmerized by their cell phone, tablet or other device. When sitting or standing in this position so long that it becomes a natural habit, it will cause problems. These problems can range from stiff and tight neck muscles, headaches, migraines, blurred vision, fatigue and shoulder problems.
Your head can weigh anywhere between 8 and 12 pounds. When looking down and forward, the weight of the head can approach over 30 pounds on the neck. This excessive strain on the neck can cause chronic muscle problems, nerve straining and pressure as well as postural imbalances.
Because electronic devices (ED’s) are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, so is the new phenomenon of text neck.
Tech neck is almost the same, except this deals more with laptop and computer use at work and home. As a parent, how many times have you walked in and seen your child with their laptop on their lap crunched up on their bed or the couch?
There is a saying that goes…”as the twig is bent, so grows the tree”!
Chiropractors look for text neck when performing their physical examinations for headache, neck and shoulder complaints. They know that this poor posture can be a significant factor in the causation of headache, migraine, neck and shoulder complaints.
You can do a simplified check of your children just by having them stand up and naturally look forward. Standing at their side, the ear should be directly above the middle of the shoulder joint. Most cases the head will be way too far forward causing stress and strain on the neck muscles and nervous system. If you see this, it would be wise to bring them in for a more thorough evaluation.
Correcting ‘text neck’ or ‘tech neck’ involves education, stretching and strengthening exercises and gentle chiropractic care if necessary.
Dr Cranton DC, ND (Ret) has been a chiropractor in Thunder Bay for over 33 years.