Text Neck in West Fargo ND?
If you work in an office environment or know someone who does, you've probably heard the term "text neck" floated around from time to time. What does this term mean, and how might it apply to that nagging neck pain you've been experiencing in West Fargo ND? Here are the answers to some frequently asked text neck questions at Pinnacle Chiropractic & Rehab.
What is Text Neck in West Fargo ND?
Text neck is a form of chronic strain that affects both the soft tissues of the neck and the cervical spinal joints. It gets its name from its association with sufferers who make frequent use of their mobile devices.
Mobile Device Usage and Text Neck
Although mobile devices don't directly cause text neck, the postures that they encourage can. Many people have an unconscious tendency to droop their heads down at an angle to read onscreen text or view onscreen videos. Others may bend their heads at an angle to hear phone audio more clearly in a noisy room. These unnatural postures place extra strain on the neck.
What Other Postural or Ergonomic Issues Can Cause Text Neck?
You don't have to be a heavy smartphone or tablet user to suffer from text neck. If you habitually allow your head to droop or hang forward, you're a candidate for this painful syndrome. A computer placed too low, for instance, or constantly stooping over any kind of manual work can encourage text neck.
Symptoms of Text Neck
Chronic neck pain and stiffness are the most obvious symptoms of text neck. Tightness in the muscles and impingement of cervical nerve roots can also produce shoulder, hand, or arm pain, along with other odd symptoms such as tingling or numbness. You may even suffer from chronic headaches and eye strain associated with text neck.
Complications
Untreated text neck can have long-term implications for your spinal health. The cervical spine can develop issues such as facet joint inflammation, cervical osteoarthritis, bulging, or herniated discs.
Chiropractic Care for Text Neck
Our chiropractor can administer gentle adjustments to neck structures that have lost their alignment due to text neck. We can also administer cervical spinal decompression, soft tissue therapies, physical therapy, and electrical stimulation to ease your symptoms naturally.
Individuals with this condition often experience neck pain. Some may feel a dull ache, while others may have a stabbing pain in the neck and shoulders. Additional common symptoms include a stiff neck and a pins and needles sensation that radiates from the neck to the shoulders.
Your neck supports your head throughout the day, but texting can add extra stress to the neck. When you consistently lean your head forward, it strains the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Prolonged periods of this posture can also impact the curvature of the spine and the ligaments that support your neck.
If you've been experiencing neck pain, it's advisable to make some changes to your habits. Instead of leaning forward when using your phone, try to keep it at eye level. By holding your phone in this position, you can avoid slumping forward to see the screen and prevent unnecessary strain on your neck.
While modifying your habits can improve your symptoms, severe cases may require treatment. Poor posture caused by text neck can strain your joints and potentially lead to conditions such as spinal stenosis. In some instances, it may even contribute to the development of bone spurs on the neck.
Chiropractic care can provide relief for pain caused by text neck and address issues related to this condition. A chiropractor can examine your neck and make gentle adjustments to restore it to its proper position. Treatment can offer immediate pain relief and improve your range of motion, making it easier to move your neck.
Given the substantial amount of time people spend on mobile devices, text neck has become increasingly common. If you've been dealing with neck pain and stiffness, reach out to Pinnacle Chiropractic and Rehab at (701) 532-1699. We'll assist you in recovering from text neck and correcting your posture to prevent further discomfort.
Monday
8:00am - 5:30pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday
10:00am - 5:30pm
Friday
8:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Pinnacle Chiropractic and Rehab
3259 Oak Ridge Loop E
West Fargo, ND 58078