Although electronic devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers are useful tools, they also have their drawbacks when overused. Text neck is a common drawback of electronic device overuse, resulting in neck pain, headaches, neck stiffness, and other symptoms. The neck pain treatment professionals at Family Health Chiropractic Center in Tampa, FL, have compiled the answers to several questions we frequently receive regarding text neck.
What is “text neck?”
Text neck is a painful neck condition prompted by the overuse of a computer, cellphone, tablet, or another electronic device. Poor posture is a major cause of this pain, as slouching for long periods to look down at your electronic device can strain muscles and tendons in your cervical spine. Although text neck pain is often temporary, it can disrupt your lifestyle. Left untreated, your symptoms can escalate or become chronic, lowering your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of text neck?
Neck pain and discomfort are some of the main symptoms of text neck. Additional symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness and soreness
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Headaches
- Loss of flexibility and mobility in your neck, shoulders, and upper spine
How can a chiropractor help with neck pain relief?
Our Tampa, FL, chiropractor will start by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam to help establish the cause of your pain, pinpoint its source, and gauge its severity. We’ll then have a better idea of how to provide neck pain relief. Chiropractic techniques like adjustments can help relieve pain and discomfort by aligning the tendons and ligaments in your cervical spine. Therapeutic massage can help relax muscle tension to relieve pain. We may also recommend stretching exercises to regain neck flexibility and mobility.
How can I avoid text neck pain?
Improving your posture and using your electronic devices wisely can help reduce your risk of developing text neck symptoms. Rather than slouching over your cellphone or tablet all the time, try raising these devices to eye level to avoid straining your neck, shoulders, or spine. If you spend a lot of time on your computer, try to keep the screen at eye level so you’re not stressing your neck muscles by constantly looking down. You can also limit the time you spend on electronic devices to avoid pain or take frequent breaks to stretch your neck, shoulders, and back. Exercising regularly to keep your neck and back muscles flexible and strong can minimize your risk of neck pain in the future.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor for Neck Pain Relief in Tampa, FL
Call Family Health Chiropractic Center today at (813) 882-8181 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.
