Everywhere we look, we see individuals glued to their phones. Reports suggest that media use has increased by 17% among youngsters since the pandemic. These individuals also sit in a bad posture when using the computer.
Let’s talk about people who make a living from technology. Consider the residents of Denver for example as the city is a leading tech hub. After hours of being in the same position, it’s obvious that these people will face some physiological issues. Not surprisingly, many end up looking for a neck pain chiropractor in Denver to address their postural issues.
Text neck syndrome is an increasingly prevalent condition that stems from modern technology use. It occurs among individuals who remain hunched over screens for many hours.
In this blog post, we’ll explore and unravel the symptoms and solutions to text neck syndrome.
What Is Text Neck Syndrome?
Recently, a woman with neck pain visited a physical therapist. After a consultation, the professional deduced that the patient’s cellphone was the culprit. She used to keep her phone or tablet on her lap and look down on it while using it. This habit caused her to develop strains and a ‘flexed forward’ posture.
This modern ailment is called text neck syndrome. It’s characterized by discomfort and strain in the upper back and neck regions. The hunching over posture while using screens creates pressure on the cervical spine and muscles. Repetitive use can cause musculoskeletal imbalances that lead to reduced mobility and headaches.
This syndrome comes with the following symptoms that a youngster shouldn’t ignore:
Shoulder pain and stiffness
Reduced neck motion and postural changes
Tightness of muscles in the skull’s base
Frequent discomfort when upright
Increased touch sensitivity in the neck area
Numbness in the fingers and a tingling sensation in the arms
Weakened muscles and fatigue in the upper back
How Can Text Neck Syndrome Be Eased?
Easing this syndrome requires posture adjustments, professional intervention, and exercises to strengthen the upper back muscles and neck. Take a look at these points in detail:
#1. Get a Chiropractor
Most young adults will feel that visiting a chiropractor is only for ‘aging’ people. However, youngsters with text neck syndrome can benefit from this practice. According to Governor’s Park Chiropractic, effective neck pain treatment includes the following:
Decompression therapy
Physiotherapy modalities
Gait analysis
Soft tissue treatment
With this, they can manage pain, reduce stiffness, and speed healing. To achieve the benefits, youngsters must find the best chiropractor practice in the city. A certified professional can help anyone with neck pain achieve comprehensive, advanced, and result-oriented treatment.
#2. Perform Exercises
Another way to deal with this syndrome is through targeted exercises. It can increase the neck’s flexibility and muscle strength. Some of them include the following:
Neck stretches: Use gentle tilts to rotate the neck and relieve tension by improving flexibility.
Shoulder blade squeezes: These chest stretches can counteract rounded shoulders and promote better posture.
Other than these, they should perform chin tucks or shoulder retractions to enhance the support and stability of the upper back and neck. Regular exercise and mindful screen habits can surely foster long-term musculoskeletal health.
#3. Making Adjustments to Posture
Many youngsters aren’t aware that bad posture can lead to severe health problems. It can cause slumped shoulders, a tilted pelvis, and a forward head carriage. Similarly, looking down at a phone or sitting in front of a computer can lead to bad posture and text neck syndrome.
Thankfully, conscious adjustments can play a vital role in mitigating this issue. Individuals should follow these tips to keep their posture straight:
Maintain a neutral spine position while using digital devices to reduce upper back stress.
Youngsters should sit with relaxed shoulders and keep their chins parallel to foster healthier neck and spine alignment.
The use of modifications like supportive chairs and height adjustments can help reduce bad posture.
In conclusion, we need to address the negative effects of excessive screen time among youngsters. The rise of digital device use in our daily lives has paved the way for the prevalence of text neck syndrome.
To solve this, youngsters will need ergonomic advancements. That means reducing strain on the neck and spine by holding smartphones at eye level. They can use cushioned chairs to facilitate better posture. Screen-time management can also help if they follow proper strategies.
As mentioned in this article, they must hire a chiropractor, perform exercises, and adjust their posture to avoid this syndrome. All these will promote a healthier lifestyle and foster mindfulness about screen usage.
