Text neck is real and you should care about it

text neck

Not too long ago in human history would the notion of “text neck” seem a little far fetched. However, with so many people constantly looking down at their smartphones, it may come as no surprise to you that the muscles in the neck may grow strained.

Hunching your head forward or staring downward for extended periods of time stresses the muscles and spine in your neck. After some time, the muscles may begin to stretch or tear, which is what is known as a strain.

Neck strains vary in severity, and usually, text neck is nothing too serious. However, the pain can be intense and the limited range of motion can make daily life much more challenging. If you feel like you are being affected by text neck, you should visit a physical therapist for treatment.

Symptoms of text neck

Whether or not you spend a lot of time on your phone, you should visit a doctor or physical therapist for help if you have:

  • Constant pain in the back of your neck, upper back or shoulders.
  • Stiffness. 
  • Difficulty turning your head or looking up and down.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty maintaining good posture. 

Physical therapy for text neck

Physical therapists are health care professionals who specialize in treating conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. They can assess the condition of your neck to identify the cause of your pain and develop a treatment.

Treatments are always personalized to the needs of each individual, but if you visit a clinic for text neck treatment, you can usually expect:

  • Gentle stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Strong and flexible muscles provide better support for the neck and are less vulnerable to pain.
  • Hands-on therapy to help reduce pain, improve range of motion and break down any scar tissue that may be present.
  • Posture guidance to help you sit and stand with better posture whether you are using a smartphone or not.

Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for text neck treatment

Do you spend a lot of time looking down at your phone texting or browsing social media? You may have a strain in your neck that is known as text neck. Our physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy can help. We can examine your condition and develop a personalized treatment to help manage the pain and improve your range of motion. Contact our team today about text neck or to schedule an initial appointment.