Text Neck: How It Affects You

At every stoplight, you have probably noticed the ever-familiar glow of the car next to you, as the person is glaring down at their phone. The habit of walking across the crosswalk, head buried in the phone texting or reading about the latest gossip. Although that brings up other risks, here are the physical effects that are occurring with the dreaded "text neck". 

Text neck is a phenomenon associated with prolonged postures held while texting or using any electronic device. Cervical flexion (head looking down), if coupled with chin protrusion (chin jutted forward) creates significant loads on the spine. You have either observed someone doing this or are currently doing it on any given day. 

To give you an idea of how much load is put on the spine, we will break it down for you from 0-60 degrees of cervical flexion.

0 degrees (head is at its natural upright position) = 10-12 pounds of pressure.

15 degrees of flexion = 27 pounds of pressure

60 degrees of flexion = 60 pounds of pressure

Likewise, the problem may sometimes be at a “rest” position after exercising. This rest position may include sitting while leaning forward and resting their arms and upper body on their thighs. Not only are we putting substantial stresses on our spine, but we are also creating laxity in the ligaments and causing those muscles used to hold the head upright to become weak.

Another cause may be ergonomic issues at the workplace or at home, for example, consider these questions as a checklist for problems of unwanted posture shown below.

Are your knees at the same level or just below your hips?

Is your computer screen at the proper height (nose approximately at mid screen)?

Do you have proper back support for the chair?

If you have questions concerning how you are being affected by text neck or how to correct it, give the office a call and make an appointment today!