With the growth of technology that can be held in your hand, there is a hidden health problem that is quickly becoming an epidemic in the world. Very few people are aware that they may be suffering from health issues related to this topic and most will not know they are a victim until it is too late.

The problem

In the United States 63% of adult Americans own a smartphone while 73% of American teens own a smartphone. Over the course of a year, the average adult spends 1,400 hours and the average teen spends 5,000 hours hunched over on their phone. This is equivalent to roughly 5 hours per day hunched over. With the growing use of social media, the ability to watch videos, surf the internet, check emails, send text messages, or engage with others on your phone, the amount of time spent that the average person spends looking down can be daunting to the human body over time.

How does this effect my health?

The human neck is naturally in the healthiest position when facing straight forward. This posture of looking straight ahead provides the

least amount of pressure on the neck, shoulders and back. The neck was not made to be spent looking down and unsupported for long periods of time.

Thus, staying in a constant humpback posture, also known as “text neck” or “forward head posture,” for long periods can lead to several conditions that can cause severe and constant pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

Why is this a problem?

For every 15 degrees that your neck bends forward (looking down at the ground), this causes about 10-12 pounds of direct pressure on your neck.

If someone is looking directly down at their phone at about 60 degrees, this is equivalent to roughly 60 pounds of pressure. Over time, this amount of pressure on the neck can have serious consequences.

The symptoms of text neck

Recent studies have shown that text neck has been linked with:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Pinched nerves
• Chronic headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Bone spurs
• Degeneration
• Muscular deformation
• Numbness in the arms, neck, shoulders or back
• Depression
• Neurological issues
• Heart disease

If left untreated, your head will gradually shift forward (into an unnatural position) and cause excessive strain on your upper spine and neck. This poor posture can lead to the issues and symptoms described above.

What can you do to prevent text neck?

1. Watch your posture and do your best to look straight when looking at your phone, tablet, or screen.
2. Hold your phone or tablet in front of your face as much as possible.
3. If you look down at your device, try to do it with just your eyes.
4. Avoid spending long periods looking down or hunched over and remember to take frequent breaks.

Get a Tulsa chiropractic check up

If you are unsure if you may be suffering from the effects of text neck, get a check-up with a chiropractor to see if you may already be a victim and then get treatment to correct effects of the improper posture. Dr. Smith has been practicing chiropractic in Tulsa for many years and has dealt with chronic issues such as text next.

To schedule an appointment click r call 918-836-7900.