WHAT IS TECH NECK?

In today’s digital age, we spend more time than ever hunched over our smartphones, tablets, and computers. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 81% of Americans own a smartphone, and studies found that individuals spend an average of 2-4 hours per day using their smartphones.

While these devices have undoubtedly improved our lives in countless ways, they have also given rise to a modern ailment known as “tech neck.” The American Neurospine Institute, PLLC, is here to shed light on this common issue, exploring its causes, symptoms, and practical solutions to help you maintain a healthy spine in the digital era.

HOW DOES TECH NECK HAPPEN?

The prevalence of tech neck, independent of age, is high. Studies indicate that 73% of university students and 64.7% of people who work from home have neck or back pain. 39.2% of them admit to being less productive due to neck or low back pain.1 There is growing evidence that, compared to neutral standing, we display more forward head posture when viewing a cell phone. Forward head posture, or FHP, is characterized by lower cervical flexion and upper cervical extension.  FHP leads to mechanical strain forces on the joints and ligaments of the cervical spine, and as a result there is increased gravitational force on the posterior neck muscles. Other symptoms that accompany FHP are neck pain, shoulder tightness, headaches and migraines, jaw pain, and pain down the arm and forearm.

The weight of the head in neutral position is 5kg, or 2.2lbs.  As the head tilts forward, the gravitational pull increases its weight.  At 60 degrees, the most common angle used in viewing a smartphone, the weight of the head is equivalent to 60 lbs!2

HOW CAN WE AVOID TECH NECK?

As with many musculoskeletal disorders, prevention is the best way to avoid a problem.  Some ways to avoid Tech Neck are:

  • Avoid excessive usage and take frequent breaks.
  • Avoid prolonged static postures.
  • Position the device such that it reduces stresses both on the head/neck and the upper extremities.
  • Avoid high repetitions of movements such as prolonged typing or swiping.
  • Avoid holding large or heavy devices in one hand for an extended period3

By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures, you can protect your neck and spine from the discomfort of tech neck. If you’re already experiencing symptoms, seeking professional care from the American Neurospine Institute, PLLC, can provide you with expert guidance and treatment to help you regain your spinal health and well-being. Prioritize your posture, and remember that a little mindfulness today can lead to a pain-free tomorrow. Contact us today to learn how we can help you deal with TECH NECK or schedule an appointment online.

REFERENCES:

1Tsantili AR, Chrysikos D, Troupis T. Text Neck Syndrome: Disentangling a New Epidemic. Acta Med Acad. 2022 Aug;51(2):123-127. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.380. PMID: 36318004; PMCID: PMC9982850.

2Fiebert I, Kistner F, Gissendanner C, DaSilva C. Text neck: An adverse postural phenomenon. Work. 2021;69(4):1261-1270. doi: 10.3233/WOR-213547. PMID: 34366308. 

3David D, Giannini C, Chiarelli F, Mohn A. Text Neck Syndrome in Children and Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 7;18(4):1565. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041565. PMID: 33562204; PMCID: PMC7914771.

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