Virtually unheard of two years ago, “text neck” is a repetitive strain injury that’s becoming more common as more people hunch over smartphones. Aggravatingmuscle pain in the neck and shoulders, and sometimes lower back, is occurring even in teens and adolescents. “Typically, incidence of neck pain increases with age. But today we’re seeing and treating more patients — younger patients — who never reported neck pain before,” says Robert Bolash, MD, a pain specialist at Cleveland Clinic. A load of hurt How can using a smartphone or other mobile device cause so much hurt? It’s all in how you look at it. Literally. Looking down, dropping your head forward, changes the natural curvature of your neck. Over time, that misalignment can strain muscles and cause wear and tear on the structures of the neck. Three things happen when you drop your head: 1. Your neck moves forward. 2. Your shoulders round forward or lift up toward your ears. 3. Your neck and shoulder muscles spasm (contract). “Neck muscles, in their proper position, are designed to support the weightofyourhead,about10to12pounds,”saysDr.Bolash.“Research shows that for every inch you drop your head forward, you double the load on those muscles. Looking down at your smartphone, with your chin to your chest, can put about 60 pounds of force on your neck.” Besidesmusclepain, textneck cancauseahostofotherhealthconcerns. Sitting in a slumped position restricts your lungs’ ability to expand, impairing your lung capacity. Inhaling less oxygen means your heart needstopumphardertodistributemoreoxygen-carryingbloodthrough your body. Three tricks to nix text neck 1. Straighten up. Learn proper posture and neck alignment by peeking at your profile in a mirror. If you’re standing correctly, you should be able to draw a vertical line from your ear to your shoulder. 2.Archback. Ifyourposture isn’tperfect,trydoingshoulderextensions. Arch your neck and upper back backward, pulling your shoulders into alignment under your ears. This simple stretch can alleviate stress and muscle pain. 3. Look forward. Rather than tilting your chin down to read your mobile device, raise the device to eye level. The same goes for your desktop computer.Yourmonitorscreen should beateye levelso yourhead isn’t perpetually dropping and causing muscle strain. Is Your Smartphone Use Causing Your Neck Pain? Text Neck:
Patient Spotlight
DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION TO START PHYSICAL THERAPY? NO, you don’t. In pain now? Don’t Wait! Call us for a Tune-Up and get started feeling better now. Remember: You have the right to choose your physical therapist. We treat necks, back, shoulders, hips, knees and feet. We treat runners, skiers, work related injuries and sports related injuries. Thanks Mike! “We highly recommend PT Institute of Illinois. Mike is an excellent PT and very knowledgeable in back rehab. He was awesome at getting my daughter back to the activities she loves. My daughter was very comfortable receiving treatments here and thrilled to be able to get back to cheerleading. The office staff is also very friendly and professional. Appointments were very easy to make and accommodating to our schedule. Thanks Mike!” C.G. & R.G.
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By Chronic Conditions Team | 3/24/15 8:00 a.m.
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