Mobile Devices May Increase Your Risk of Permanent Neck Pain

We’ve all heard our parents say to us, “If you keep making that face, it’s going to stay that way!” While this was just mom’s and/or dad’s attempt to curb our obnoxious behavior, this may actually be a true statement for Americans who spend an average of 162 minutes a day (approximately 985.5 hours or 41 days a year) on their smartphones or tablets¹.

According to research conducted in 2014 by Kenneth Hansraj, M.D. and published in the National Library of Medicine² and in Surgical Technology International³, as one bends his or her neck forward and downward, the weight supported by the cervical spine exponentially increases.

Dr. Hansraj explains that the average human head weighs between 10-12 pounds, and as the neck bends forward at a 15-degree angle, the spine has to support about 27 pounds; at 30 degrees, 40 pounds; at 45 degrees, 49 pounds; and at 60 degrees, 60 pounds (Unless you are Peyton Manning—quarterback for the Denver Broncos—then it may be a lot heavier—sorry Peyton).

Figure 1: Kyphosis Illustration

So, what does this all mean?
Dr. Dean Fishman, D.C. of Florida coined the condition “text neck” (much like that of gamer’s thumb or carpal tunnel syndrome) to describe the widespread symptoms caused by prolonged use of one’s mobile device.

Text neck, if not prevented, may increase one’s risk of a more a more permanent condition called “kyphosis.” Kyphosis is a spinal deformity characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (See Figure 1: Kyphosis Illustration).

When someone is diagnosed with kyphosis, his or her vertebrae bones collapse and the spine curves forward (50 degrees or more), creating the appearance of a hunched back.  

Watch this SpineOne video to learn more about kyphosis.

   Teenagers may be the ones most at risk for text neck 
   as they spend up to nearly 5,000 hours a year on 
  their mobile devices.

There are certain circumstances that may increase the risk of getting kyphosis, including poor posture from spending hours hunched over one’s mobile device (text neck) or slouching; trauma to the vertebrae; or congenital conditions such as osteoarthritis or spina bifida.

Text Neck Symptoms

Some of the telltale sings that you may have text neck are:

  ·      Persistent headaches

  ·      Upper back pain

  ·      Shoulder pain

  ·      Neck pain

  ·      More pronounced curvature of the spine

 
How to Prevent Text Neck

You may be asking yourself, “How can I avoid text neck for me and my family?” Here are some quick tips to help you prevent text neck and more permanent problems like kyphosis:

     ·      Do neck stretching and strengthening exercises

     ·      Take a five-minute break for every 15 minutes you use your device

     ·      Hold your device at eye level while using it

     ·      Be aware of your posture while using your device

     ·      Listen to your body and stop using your device if you experience neck, shoulder and/or neck pain

Treatment

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic neck pain caused by text neck or any other condition and is unable to find a solution, get help.  Don’t wait until it’s too late. 

SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the pain management needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices such as physical therapy to get you healthy and enjoying your life again. 

SpineOne provides Same-day appointments upon request and offers doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. 

Click www.spineone.com or call 303-500-8611 today!

¹A study conducted by mobile measurement and advertising platform Flurry.

²National Library of Medicine

³Surgical Technology International