QC Family Focus: November 2015

Text Neck: It’s a Real Deal
Julie Johnson, D.C., C.F.M.P.
Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “text neck,” please read
on. The issue of text neck is becoming a growing concern as our
children increasingly connect with technology.
The human head weighs approximately 11 pounds and is
balanced on top of the cervical spine or neck. As the neck bends
forward or flexes, the weight on the neck begins to increase, so that
at a 60-degree angle, for example, the load is approximately 60
pounds. This amounts to carrying a small child around your neck
everywhere you go!
There is a normal curve to the neck that helps to distribute
this weight, but our necks aren’t meant to stay in a forward, flexed
position for hours at a time the way millions are each day. According
to research published by Kenneth Hansraj in the National Library
of Medicine, this posture, called text neck, can lead to early wearand-tear
on the spine, degeneration and even surgery. Research
indicates smartphone users spend an average of two to four hours
per day hunched over, which totals 700 to 1,400 hours each year.
Researchers also estimate that high-school students may spend an
additional 5,000 hours a year in this position.
Based on these types of findings, researchers and health
professionals are concerned with the profound impact text neck
may have on the growing spines and developing spinal curves of
young people. For every inch the head tilts forward, the pressure
on the spine doubles. Text neck has been defined as “an overuse
syndrome involving the head, neck and shoulders resulting from
looking in a forward and downward position at any hand-held
device.”
It’s been linked to headaches, neurological issues,
depression and heart disease. We have a teaching opportunity,
especially for young people, and it’s critical to help them learn
how to pay attention to signals their body may be sending them
due to their use of technology. The research is clear on this: There
are long-term ramifications for this type of lifestyle habit. Having
a conversation about the need for strengthening the neck muscles,
considering the benefits of chiropractic care for spinal health, and
paying attention to the length of time spent in forward flexion
daily is a good place to start.
Moving the head left to right repeatedly, and using
the hands to provide resistance by pushing the head against
the hands from side to side and forward to backward, can help
strengthen those neck muscles. Be aware of where the head is
in space and move the technology to bring the head upright as
much as possible. There’s even an App for that! The Text Neck
Indicator, developed by a chiropractor, Dean Fishman, D.C., will
notice when the phone is at an unacceptable viewing angle. A red
indicator light becomes visible in the top corner and an optional
vibration or beep notification can be added to help break the habit
and create a more appropriate one.
Prevention is the key with this issue. Taking breaks,
keeping your phone at eye level as much as possible and good
office or study ergonomics can also help. Watch your children
and yourself, and work toward reducing the negative effects of
text neck as much as possible in your family.
LIVE ON YOUR PHONE?
Davenport Clinic
(563) 884-5801
Moline Clinic
(309) 764-4901
WWW.PALMERCLINICS.COM/QC
ODDS ARE, YOU’VE GOT TEXT NECK. WE CAN HELP.
24 November 2015 - QC Family Focus