It seems that with every generation a product comes on the market or gains unprecedented popularity that can have a major negative impact on our health without us knowing the full extent. The traditional generation (1945 & before) and baby boomers (1946-1964) were unaware of the severe consequences of smoking tobacco. Generation X (1965-1985) and the first part of Gen Y (1985-1999) were unaware of the effects of processed food containing high amounts of sugar and unhealthy fatty acids which have been known to cause an increase in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, something that 100 million Americans are battling according to the CDC. But what hidden battle is the current generation fighting with products they frequently use? One of the issues that will become more prominent in the near future is a condition commonly referred to as Text Neck Syndrome. An Orlando chiropractor explains this new phenomenon and how best to treat it.
What is Text Neck Syndrome?
Text neck syndrome is a condition caused by the unnatural positioning of the neck for prolonged periods of time while using certain devices, predominantly cell phones. The positioning of the neck takes on a forward and down facing angle which puts serious stress and strain on the inner muscles within the neck and across the shoulder blades and upper back. When there is a constant misalignment of the necks neutral position, the weight of the head increases.
Why is this a Major Problem for Gen Y & Gen Z?
With the increase in prevalence of handheld devices due to the sophistication and affordability of technology, more and more younger people are gaining access to, and becoming dependent on, these devices. Without giving them guidance and correct information, we could be facing an epidemic of an entire generation with serious physical ailments hindering their development and quality of life. With technology so prevalent in the school, work, and social aspects of life, this over reliance on these devices will continue to increase. The common devices that cause text neck are:
- Smartphones
- Computer Tablets
- Digital Notebooks & e-Readers
- Handheld Game Consoles
What are the Symptoms of Text Neck?
There are a few primary and secondary symptoms/signs that can be attributed to text neck. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Mild to severe chronic neck and upper back pain
- Instant sharp pain in the neck and shoulders when using similar devices
- Permanent increased curvature of the spine
- Permanent arthritic damage
- Increase chances of sporadic or chronic headaches
- Inflammation of neck muscles, ligaments, and nerves
If you find that after a long day at work/school, you or your children start showing signs of any of the symptoms above you should consult with a chiropractor, doctor, or physical therapist to see if the issues are attributed to text neck.
How do you Cure Text Neck?
Curing text neck all depends on the symptoms the individual is experiencing and the length of time that the patient has been battling these ailments. A chiropractic consultation to determine the severity of the issues should be the first step to recovery. At Mauricio Chiropractic we have treated numerous patients that have presented themselves with text neck syndrome. The following common chiropractic care treatment methods have been used to help cure text neck:
- Spinal Alignment
- Spinal Manipulation
- Physical Therapy Sessions
- Strength Exercises
- Massage Therapy
If you feel you are suffering from text neck or similar physical conditions you need to book an appointment at one of our chiropractic clinics.
How do you Prevent Text Neck?
Although text neck syndrome is treatable, it is important to know how to prevent it from becoming a serious problem. Here are some easy adjustments to make to your everyday life that will help prevent text neck:
- Raise your phone to eye level so your head is not tilted forward and down facing.
- Try to limit one session on your phone to 15 minutes or less. Use a Screen Time App to track how long you are using each app. The average person is said to have a screen time of 5 hours per day.
- Improve your posture and keep your body aligned in a neutral position
- Exercise and stretch regularly.
Consult with one of our esteemed Doctors of Chiropractic and learn the different exercises and stretches that can decrease the chances of suffering from text neck.
Orlando Chiropractor Can Help with Text Neck Syndrome
If you find yourself suffering from any of the physical ailments above and would like a medical professional opinion on how to improve your quality of life, book an appointment at one of our chiropractic clinics, located in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Melbourne, FL. We offer a variety of chiropractic services that will help you unlock you’re bodies true potential and allow you to live your life abundantly.
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We provide advanced spinal correction utilizing “state of the art” chiropractic techniques. Never in the history of chiropractic have we been able to provide the level of help and expertise that now exists. These newer correction methods are even safer, more comfortable and more effective than ever before. As Doctors of Chiropractic,Our Team has years of training and experience in spinal adjustment.