Am I Suffering From Text Neck?
Do you ever look up from your phone and notice nagging neck pain? Or what about moments of shoulder stiffness following a long workday at your computer? If any of those experiences sound familiar, you might be dealing with a syndrome known as text neck.
Text neck could lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and even musculoskeletal problems without intervention. Therefore, Dr. Rey Gayo at Prestige Health and Wellness in Manhattan urges individuals to address these symptoms early to prevent long-term complications.
At a glance, some symptoms of text neck include:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Stiffness
- Tension headaches
Now, let’s explore text neck, how it’s caused, and the non-surgical treatments available in NYC to help you find relief, improve posture, and avoid further problems.
What is Text Neck Syndrome?
Text neck, also called tech neck, is a repetitive stress injury caused by holding the head in a forward position for an extended period of time. When the head repeatedly protrudes forward while using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, it places mechanical stress on the neck’s joints and ligaments. This excess gravitational force promotes poor posture and incorrect body alignment, which is linked to other undesirable issues. It’s possible that the poor posture associated with text neck syndrome may cause a decreased range of motion, respiratory dysfunction, and more.
Therefore, it’s crucial for those with text neck in Manhattan to seek treatment before it significantly affects their quality of life.
What Causes Text Neck?
The root cause of text neck lies in everyday habits and device usage. Some of its primary causes include:
- Prolonged Device Use: Research shows that approximately 75% of people spend hours each day looking down at screens, leading to unnatural strain on the neck, shoulders, and spine.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or leaning forward while using devices increases the pressure on the cervical spine and neck muscles.
- Repetitive Movements: Repetitive neck movements while texting, browsing, or using apps can contribute to the development of text neck.
- Inactivity: Remaining in a static posture for extended periods without movement or breaks can exacerbate neck pain and stiffness.
Recognizing Text Neck Symptoms
Text neck can cause a range of symptoms that may worsen over time, including:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull and radiating upward
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands (in severe cases)
- Muscle spasms or tightness in the neck or shoulders
- A forward head posture or slouched appearance
Non-Surgical Text Neck Treatment in Manhattan
At Prestige Health & Wellness, NYC, we offer a range of treatments to address text neck effectively. We’ll discuss some of those treatment options below.
NYC Chiropractic Care for Text Neck
Chiropractic care, which may involve conducting spinal adjustments to help realign the neck, may relieve those suffering from tech neck. One study found that a patient receiving nine months of chiropractic intervention experienced tremendous improvements in neck mobility, pain, and more. Therefore, speak with one of our Manhattan chiropractors to discover what techniques they can use to help relieve your text neck symptoms.
Manhattan Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy is all about helping individuals improve their mobility and function. Our physical therapists create customized and targeted exercises and stretches to help strengthen the neck and upper back muscles. Over time, this should lead to better posture and greater flexibility.
Occupational therapy interventions are designed to help you complete everyday activities, like working and cooking, without strain. Therefore, our NYC occupational therapists could show you how to work on your computer or another device with proper posture.
NYC Massage Therapy
After a long day in the office, your neck and shoulder muscles might feel tight. To help combat your text neck symptoms, consider massage therapy. A therapist can perform techniques that release muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
Manhattan Acupuncture
A skilled acupuncturist, like those at Prestige Health and Wellness, can assess your situation and determine the best acupuncture points to promote the flow of energy. Careful neck and shoulder needle placement may relieve pain and encourage relaxation.
Seek NYC Text Neck Treatment at Prestige Health & Wellness
Dr. Rey Gayo at our NYC facility frequently treats patients with “tech neck” caused by prolonged screen time. He stresses the importance of addressing early symptoms to prevent long-term damage, noting that even simple postural adjustments can significantly enhance comfort and overall health.
Book an appointment with Prestige Health & Wellness to start your personalized treatment for text neck in Manhattan. You may also call our office at 212-393-4673 to get started. Together, we’ll create a plan to alleviate pain, improve posture, and support long-term wellness.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC: