‘Text Neck’ is a term used to describe neck pain and damage that we get from hours spent looking down at our handheld devices including phones, tablets and other hand-held devices.
Text Neck is not a new problem as for years people have had to look down while reading books, however people are spending more time looking down on these devices without changing positions. From a young age even toddlers are now able to use Tablets and Smartphones, it is becoming more alarming for the young, growing generation to develop neck problems for this reason.
Our neck muscles support the weight of the head, on average weighing 10-12 pounds. When texting the position of the head is at a 60 degree angle placing 60 pounds of weight on the neck.
- Upper back Pain and tightness
- Shoulder Pain
- Neck pain – dull nagging pain
- When a nerve is pinched in the neck you may experience neurological symptoms into your arm and hand (numbness, tingles, pins and needles)
How to prevent ‘Text Neck’
This can be easily done by breaking bad habits! Some of which include:
- Holding your phone at eye level as much as possible
- Getting an Ergonomic Assessment of your workstation – the screen of your laptop/computer should be at eye level
- Taking frequent breaks
Our Physiotherapists will provide a comprehensive treatment plan that may consisting of following depending on your problems which have identified.
- Manual adjustments
- Soft tissue massage
- Dry needling
- Postural re-training
- Core stability
How can Physiotherapy help?
Our Physiotherapists will be able to tailor an individualised home exercise programme that may include a combination of strengthening and stretching exercises.
Some rehabilitation programmes may consist of a core stability programme and posture awareness. Our core muscles play an important role in maintaining a good neck position while both sitting and standing. Thereby, reducing a build up of tension in our upper neck and shoulders.
For more information or to book your appointment please call us on 091 456 086 or ‘BOOK NOW’
