What is Text Neck Syndrome?
Text neck syndrome is an informal term for the development of poor postural habits due to overuse of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices. Because of the elevated importance of mobile phones and other devices in modern life, we often spend prolonged periods of time in unnatural or hunched positions.
Without intervention, long-term use of handheld devices can lead to muscle strain and postural defects. In this case, if you find yourself consistently adopting a hunched, forward-leaning head position when assuming a relaxed posture, you may be suffering from text neck.
Text Neck Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
As the name suggests, text neck is a visually identifiable condition. In addition to a forward-leaning head carriage and impaired neck mobility, text neck is often accompanied by other physical symptoms, including slouching, rounded shoulders, back and neck pain, and flat feet.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Text Neck Syndrome
In order to understand the causes of text neck, it’s important to understand how the upper cervical spine affects posture. The upper cervical spinal segments, known as C1 and C2, are the main movers for all movements of the head.
If you spend a lot of time in a forward-facing, hunched position, the repeated postural strain can affect the position and alignment of the upper cervical vertebral column, inflaming the surrounding musculature and causing misalignment in one or more upper cervical segments. Left untreated, misalignments in the upper cervical spine may prevent a full range of flexion and extension movements. This not only promotes additional postural defects, but it also makes it harder to correct existing problems (i.e. text neck).
How Our Treatment for Text Neck Syndrome Works
When you visit Upper Spine Knoxville for text neck treatment, we’ll examine your posture, evaluate your current spinal condition, and make a plan for a course of care to get you stable. Using advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography, Dr. Shamloo, will assess whether you’re suffering from an upper cervical misalignment.
Using advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Shamloo, will assess whether you’re suffering from an upper cervical misalignment. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Shamloo will employ a series of specific adjustments to the affected area, easing pressure on the inflamed musculature and restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical spine. Afterwards, we’ll show you how to correct the position of your head carriage to prevent text neck or other postural defects from creeping back.
If you want a natural treatment option for text neck syndrome, please contact Upper Spine Knoxville for an appointment. We service patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls and Fountain City in Tennessee and the surrounding areas.