Text Neck

You may have heard about a growing epidemic occurring among today’s youth and even into the adult population called “text neck”. It’s caused largely in part due to the desire and necessity to use smartphones, tablets, and computers in this day and age. I refer to it as forward head posture in my practice. Call it what you will, but it’s leading to serious health issues.

When you look at the neck from the side position, it should form a C-shaped curvature. This is sometimes hard to notice without visualizing it on an x-ray. This curve is known as a “lordosis” and is essential in the normal functioning of the neck and the spinal nerves that exit there. Keeping the head and neck in a downward position for an extended period of time can have serious consequences.

Most commonly these consequences will include neck and upper back pain, tightness, stiffness, numbness, tingling, headaches, and migraines. If text neck is left untreated, this can lead to irreversible damage. This includes premature spinal degeneration (arthritis), weakening of the disc, and even nerve damage.

Research shows that each inch that your head moves forward from the center of your shoulders will double the weight of what your head normally weighs. That creates a tremendous amount of tension, pressure, and compression on the neck and upper back.

The longer this problem persists, the worse the consequences will be. It is nearly impossible to return the neck to a normal position without the aid and advice of a medical professional like a corrective care chiropractor. We have had great success in correcting these issues and restoring proper health in our office. I look forward to helping you and your family achieve your health goals.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell