Common Questions About "Text Neck"

Do you constantly find yourself looking down at your phone? Have you started noticing neck pain, numbness, and headaches? You might be dealing with “text neck.” Keep reading to find answers to common questions about text neck from our chiropractor near you in Buford, GA.

What Is Text Neck?

Text neck refers to neck pain and damage that can occur from chronically looking down at smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

This position puts a significant amount of stress on the neck by forcing the head forward and down. The condition can lead to soreness, stiffness, and even pinched nerves over time.

The average human head weighs 10 to 12 pounds. Bending your neck forward just 15 degrees to look at a screen adds 27 pounds of force to your neck. At 60 degrees, that force spikes to 60 pounds! This means the longer you look at screens the more pressure your neck is under.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common text neck symptoms include:

• Neck soreness or tightness
• Shoulder and upper back pain
• Headaches
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Arm numbness or tingling from nerve compression

You may also notice your neck seems stuck in a bent forward position. Text neck symptoms tend to worsen at night or first thing in the morning. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek treatment right away.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Our chiropractor near you can diagnose text neck in your initial consultation. Each appointment begins with a discussion of your symptoms and daily screen habits to establish risk factors. Then we will evaluate your posture and look for any loss of the neck’s natural curve. From there our chiropractor with test mobility and range of motion. Finally, we will palpate the neck to discover the problem areas and check for any signs of disc compression. There may be a need to take x-rays to assess the extent of damage and nerve involvement if warranted.

Can Text Neck Cause Permanent Damage?

If left untreated, yes. Over time, the poor posture from text neck can lead to early degeneration of the cervical discs and vertebrae. It also thickens the ligaments in the back of the neck, causing a permanent forward head tilt. Nerve injuries and muscle atrophy are other possible long-term consequences. That is why it is critical to see our chiropractor for text neck pain before it progresses.

How Is Text Neck Treated?

Our chiropractor at Spine Pros Buford in Buford, GA, will likely recommend a combination of:

• Spinal adjustments to improve mobility and relieve nerve pressure
• Soft tissue massage to loosen tight muscles
• Posture correction exercises
• Lifestyle modifications

We may also use specialized devices that gently stretch the neck to undo damage from poor posture over time. With consistent chiropractic treatment, most patients see significant improvement in text neck pain and posture. Acting quickly improves your chances of avoiding permanent issues.

Are You Ready to Get Neck Pain Treatment? Schedule a Consultation with Us in Buford, GA!

Do not ignore persistent neck pain! It could stem from your screen habits. Our local chiropractor at Spine Pros Buford in Buford, GA, can assess what is causing your text neck and create a customized recovery plan. Call us at (770)-329-9784 to schedule an appointment today and start relieving your discomfort!