Text Neck
Text neck, or anterior neck syndrome, is a condition caused by poor posture while using phones, tablets, or computers. When people look down at their devices for long periods, it can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Over time, this can cause changes in the neck's structure and contribute to ongoing issues. Essentially, it's a modern problem linked to how we use technology!
Symptoms:
How do I improve my posture?
Treatment
Preventing anterior neck syndrome through chiropractic care involves a multifaceted approach that emphasizes regular adjustments to maintain spinal alignment and reduce strain on the neck. Chiropractors assess your posture and provide tailored advice to improve ergonomics while using devices, helping you adopt healthier habits. Additionally, they recommend specific strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder muscles to enhance support and flexibility. Educating patients on proper body mechanics for everyday activities is also crucial in minimizing neck strain. By integrating chiropractic care with proactive lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly lower your risk of developing anterior neck syndrome and promote overall neck health.
Exercises
Incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help counteract the effects of prolonged device use and promote a healthier neck.
Exercises are important for text neck because they help:
Do quick shoulder-motion stretches. Shrug your shoulders up to your ears, hold the pose for 5 seconds, and release. Do this 5-10 times. Now roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion 5-10 times, then roll them backwards 5-10 times
Perform the corner stretch. Face a corner of your room. Stand with your feet together about 2 feet from the walls. Place your forearms on the two walls in front of you, one forearm on each side of the corner seam. Keep your elbows just below the height of your shoulders (in "goal post" arm formation). Lean in as far as possible, so that you feel a stretch in your chest and the fronts of your shoulders. Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds.
Don’t lean so far that it causes pain.
Do this exercise before doing any deep neck stretching or strengthening exercises, and at least 3-5 times daily.
Eye Exercises.
