Texting Can Spell Trouble For Your Neck

With more than 90 percent of American adults and 75 percent of teens carrying mobile phones, texting has become wildly popular—but in ways that don’t bode well for our posture and neck health.

neck pain and texting

The popularity and mobility of smartphones introduced new verbs into our lexicon. We used to call to communicate; now we text. And since we are carrying our phones with us constantly, we can remain in uninterrupted contact with the world. But the lure of technology has a downside: bending over our phones is taking a toll on the long-term health of our neck and spine. Now neck pain and texting has become commonplace.

Neck pain and texting

With the widespread use of smartphones and other wireless technology, spine practices have noticed the emergence of worrisome symptoms that signal spine damage. People have made a habit of looking down at their phones as they use them, and they are using them frequently and for long periods of time. We may not realize how much strain this posture places on our necks. A recent study published in the Surgical Technology International journal reports that when we hold our head erect, our spine bears 10 to 12 pounds of weight to maintain our head’s position. This amount of weight increases as we tilt our head forward. When our head is tilted forward 30 degrees, its weight increases to 30 to 40 pounds. When we tilt our head 60 degrees, we increase the weight to 60 pounds.

The increased stress on our neck is causing neck and shoulder pain and headaches. Over time, “text neck” posture can lead to premature disc degeneration that may put us at higher risk for developing neck arthritis and a permanently hunched back.

Text Neck symptoms

The following symptoms could be a warning that you are suffering from text neck:

  • Neck pain, soreness, and headaches.
  • Upper back pain that begins as an annoyance and gradually becomes more severe.
  • Shoulder tightness and pain.
  • Pain radiating down your arm and into your hand, caused by a pinched cervical nerve.

How to protect your neck

You don’t have to give up texting to protect your neck. Prevention is the best defense; practicing posture awareness and keeping your head erect while you use your favorite devices are the easiest ways to prevent neck pain and texting. People with text neck symptoms have responded well to physical therapy and exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support the neck. And our Summit Orthopedics spine team is here to help make sure that you are able to enjoy all of the benefits of modern communication while protecting spine health and preserving an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise

Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.

Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

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