Are you Suffering From “Text Neck”?

Whether or not you’ve heard this new-fangled term, it’s likely you know exactly what “text neck” is referring to. The uncomfortable, bent, and ready for anything our phones may send us position that we always seem to find ourselves in. Where the head is hunched over, our shoulders hiked up, and the back bent and in no sort of routine. And after a while, it starts to hurt. We might not even know it at the time, but this continued position will create incredible amounts of stress within the shoulders and neck.

So why do we keep doing it? Chances are, you don’t even know you’re texting this way. The habit just creeps up on you, until it simply feels natural to communicate in such a position. 

You Likely Have Text Neck if: 

• You have tight or painful shoulders
• Cricks in the neck
• Your neck or shoulders “pop” regularly
• You regularly sit in a hunched position
• You fail to sit up straight
• You send multiple texts per day

The good news, however, is that you can train your body to stop texting this way. Just like you trained it to start hunching (even if you didn’t know it). By remembering to stay aware of how you’re sitting or standing, you can reverse the unhealthy behavior. You should also be aware of how your shoulders are sitting, the position of your neck, and how close the phone is to your face. And if you really need it that close to your face, move the phone instead. It’s that easy.

Over time, this behavior will become muscle memory, and the body will eliminate its next neck behavior without even thinking about it. Start incorporating these small changes today for an easy, yet effective way, to eliminate texting-based side effects once and for all. 

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Why Texting is a Literal Pain in the Neck

It’s no secret that the population has taken strongly to their cell phones. From smartphones to flip models that only call and send texts, these devices are used numerous times per day. Even more so for versions loaded down with apps, cameras, and the ability to perform almost any task. Calculators, weather updates, TV shows, and portable electronic radios can all be found on the modern smartphone.

But when checking our phones countless times throughout the day, that pattern is bound to come with some sort of side effect. Like neck pains. With all that leaning, squinting, and bending to see who sent what message, the neck is the body part that suffers the most.

Experts say that due to the weight of our heads – an adult is toting around 10 to 12 pounds up there – and the lack of natural support when texting, it’s common to develop literal pains in the neck. The more frequent the texting, the harsher the pains. However, it’s not the phones’ fault, it’s the way we look at them. When hunching down or leaning over to read a screen, the neck loses its natural curve. A posture that keeps neck bones and muscles right where they need to be.

How To Take Better Care of your Neck

The next time you get a text, don’t bring your eye line to your phone, bring your phone to your eye line. This might not feel as comfortable (at first), but it will keep your neck where it needs to be and create a healthier long-term habit.

Another option is to hold off on texting. Unless it’s a necessity, look to other forms of communication, such as talking on the phone or meeting in person. While not as quick, it’s a simple way to reduce texting and looking upright instead.

If you’re a regular sufferer of pains in the neck, consider your texting habits – and adjust them to better reflect proper health.

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