The Text Neck.

Is smartphone use causing you neck pain?

With the ever-increasing use of smartphones there has been a corresponding increase of users having neck and upper back pain, headaches, and upper extremity discomfort. There are several factors that explain why smartphone usage is often deleterious to one's health. On the contrary, there are certain approaches to counteract harmful musculoskeletal health effects.

An interesting research study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, June 2017 noted that researchers investigating changes in posture and muscle activation among 18 participants while interacting with their device. The results revealed that smartphone use induced a more flexed posture within the neck and trunk compared with personal computer use. The researchers also found that participants began to experience neck and back pain if they used their smartphone for extended than quarter-hour. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should consider the influences of smartphone use in posture and muscle activity within the evaluation, intervention, and prevention of neck and trunk conditions.

It has been noted that the head weighs about the maximum amount as a ball which is 10 to 14-pound range. If the top is directly over our upper body its weight is tolerated well and does cause discomfort to the neck and upper back. However, if the top is during a flexed, forward position for extended periods of your time causes the muscles of the rear of the neck and upper back stretched and stresses in the spinal joints. Over time this causes irritation to the structures. This can result in neck and upper back pain, tension headaches, and pain of the upper extremities radiates from the nerves of the neck and upper back.

As of the research study noted earlier there's less of a forward head posture/flexed neck and trunk when employing a personal computer compared to telephone usage. Thus, if an individual has access to a personal computer would be knowing to use it versus employing a smartphone.

If one has got to use a smartphone for an extended period of your time it's knowing to use the 20-20-20 rule. This simply means after 20 minutes of smart telephone use an individual should stand straight up for 20 seconds and appearance 20 feet away. This will break the cycle of prolonged poor posture. Of course, straightening up more frequently for extended periods of your time would definitely be even better.

If a person has ongoing neck pain, upper back discomfort, radiating pain into the upper extremities, and/or is having tension headaches the condition may have got to the point where professional care is indicated. In this case a wise decision would be to consult a health care provider who are specialists to diagnose what's causing serious musculoskeletal problems and has the power to render safe, effective treatment that doesn't involve surgery or harmful pain medications like opioids.

It is best to require proactive steps when using cellular phones to avoid musculoskeletal discomfort. However if accumulated stress has caused significant acute or chronic discomfort it is best to seek professional help.