The term Text neck refers to the increasingly common condition of neck pain related to the increased use of smart phones and other devices. The regular presentation of text neck to Physiotherapy clinics and other health professionals seems only set to continue with recent statistics showing that 95% of adults aged between 18-34 own a smart phone in Australia, and smart phone ownership among school aged children is also rising rapidly.
The common symptoms or complaints of text neck include a forward head and neck posture, sharp pain with neck movements, radiating pain to the back and shoulders, muscle weakness of the neck, and a feeling of a heavy head or fatigue.
The reason for these symptoms may be explained by the increase of force placed on the neck as we bend forward to look at a device. In more neutral or upright postures there is approximately 4-6kg of force placed on the structures of our neck. Compared to an alarming 22kg when the neck is bent forward to 45 deg.
Despite the high prevalence of text neck in the community the good news is there is plenty a good physiotherapist can do to help alleviate the symptoms of text neck and prevent this pain from returning in the future.
Common testament and interventions include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilization
- Postural education when using a device
- Supportive taping
- Muscle stretches and self mobilization techniques
- Core muscle strengthening of the neck
- Non steroidal anti inflammatory frugs
- Heath and ice therapy
If you are suffering from text neck or would like any further information on steps that you can take to prevent it please drop in and see one of the team at Balwyn Sports and Physiotherapy Centre.
Written by: Richard Butler, Physiotherapist