Text Neck- What it is and how to survive it
With technology increasingly becoming an integral part of our routines, it’s no exaggeration to say that mobile phones (or more specifically, mobile apps) have become the man’s best friend! The only problem- this friend might soon become a pain in the neck for many of you, quite literally
The Problem:
Recent studies have shown that prolonged usage of mobile phones has led to many neck pain complaints from a very early age. Some have even called the phenomenon “text neck.” No explanation needed there!
This is mainly due to how most of us hold our mobile phones at chest height. Because of this, our head remains tilted forward for an extended period, often at a stretch. The neck muscles are designed to support the weight of an upright head, but the tilted head’s weight gets magnified due to a shift in the axis of gravity.
In simpler words, a forward bending head is much heavier than an upright one, and your neck muscles cannot handle all that weight for too long without getting damaged. The condition can worsen to such an extent that you might have to consult a pain management specialist.
The Effects:
The neck muscles and ligaments, owing to such a prolonged strain, start getting damaged. This causes severe pain in your neck and might spread to your shoulders. You are likely to have a hard time turning your neck and might experience a jolt of sudden pain when you do. All of these are signs that your neck muscles have deteriorated and need some serious caretaking. While IndoSpine’s pain management specialists are always there as your last resort, there are a few things you can do to negate the issue.
The Solution:
Some of the most common and effective solutions to avoiding a text neck are:
- Changing the angle: Bring your screens (mobiles, laptops, and desktops) as close to your eye level as you can. This will decrease your head’s tilt angle and make it easier for the neck muscles and ligaments to support it.
- Take timely breaks: All of us need breaks, and so do our neck muscles. One of the most common reasons for a text neck is the lack of rest for your neck muscles and ligaments. Take small but frequent breaks, get up and get a beverage of your choice and get cracking again!
- Neck Exercises: Regular stretching and exercising of your neck muscles can significantly reduce the risks of neck troubles.