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How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Text Neck?

Written By Levinson Chiropractic & Vax-D Therapy on November 14, 2017

If the term “text neck” is new to you but you have a nagging pain in your upper trapezius or the back of your neck, you may be suffering from this modern-day ailment. Text neck is the diagnosis given to patients who develop chronic pain and discomfort as a result of, well, texting too much.

It’s not actually the texting that is the culprit.  It’s holding your head at an angle for prolonged periods while looking down at your phone, iPad, computer, or other mobile devices. 

What Is Text Neck?

The human head weighs approximately 12 pounds. When pitched forward at progressively sharper angles, the gravitational weight of the head increases to as much as 60 pounds.  This places excessive strain on the muscles and tendons that support the neck, causing sporadic or chronic pain. It can also stress the delicate vertebrae of the neck by forcing them into misalignment or create bulges or herniation of the disc material between the vertebrae.

When the vertebrae, discs, or muscles of the neck are compromised, the ensuing pain is called text neck.

Can Text Neck Be Cured?

Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate the pain caused by text neck. Initially, your chiropractor will evaluate the symptoms and conditions of your neck and upper back to determine the extent of the problem. Using manual manipulation of the spine, neck and upper thoracic area, the practitioner will then adjust areas of misalignment back into their natural position. 

Localized massage or trigger-point pressure on affected muscles can also provide more immediate relief. The combination of both manipulation and massage can relieve stress and tension in the muscles, allowing them to relax enough that the vertebrae may begin to realign naturally.

Can Text Neck Be Prevented?

The most obvious way to prevent text neck is to reduce the amount of time spent looking down. If your work or lifestyle is heavily dependent on a mobile device, make sure to take frequent breaks to lengthen the spine and relieve neck and shoulder pressure. Regular exercise to improve muscle tone and posture can also help reduce the pain associated with text neck.

If neck pain has been chronic or is increasing in severity, your chiropractor can help with spinal alignment to alleviate pressure point. They can also help create a plan of therapeutic exercises to perform between adjustments that may increase mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen weak areas.

 


Posted In: Neck Pain Chiropractic