We are spending more time on devices and it’s wreaking havoc on our bodies. Learn about tech neck and how physical therapy can help!

What is Tech Neck?

Tech Neck is a repetitive stress injury to the neck caused by holding your head in a forward and downward position for extended periods of time, typically while using a device (phone or tablet) or while reading a book. Consistently holding your head in this position can cause many problems, pain, and even chronic conditions. The term, ‘tech neck’ is a term coined by a chiropractor, Dr. Dean L. Fishman, but it has turned into an epidemic we see in all of our facilities.

Why is tech neck a problem?

The human body is designed so that when you are sitting upright, the weight of the head (10-12 lbs on average) is evenly distributed to the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back. When the head is not in this upright, neutral position, it increases the weight of the head by a substantial amount. Science estimates that six times as much force on the muscles and joints can occur as a result of moving the head out of this safe, aligned position. This leads to what we call “the 40-pound head.” Unfortunately, our bodies were not designed for this and is why tech neck is causing people so many issues.

Over time, if you continue to look down at your wireless device, it can cause permanent damage to the cervical spine and neck. This is especially true for growing children, who are among the largest group of people affected by tech neck.

Effects of tech neck

Tech neck not only affects bones (the vertebrae in your spine) it also affects your soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Keeping your head in a compromised position (looking down) compresses and tightens the muscles, tendons, and ligament structures in front of the neck while lengthening and weakening the muscles, tendons, and ligament structures behind the neck.

Common tech neck signs & symptoms

• Pain (neck, upper back, shoulders)
• Radiating pain (elbow, wrist, low back) or Cervical radiculopathy (pins-and-needles tingling, numbness, and/or weakness may radiate from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand)
• Changed appearance: forward head posture and rounded shoulders
• Reduced mobility and tightness in shoulders and neck
• Headaches
• Increased pain with movement (neck flexion)
• Jaw pain

How can physical therapy help tech neck?

The main goal of treatment is to reduce the tension within the neck muscles, reduce the pain within your neck and address the postures that aggravate your symptoms. This will normally involve postural awareness and strengthening exercises to correct for the future and prevent a recurrence.

After your physical therapist has assessed your lifestyle, posture, and your neck structures they will confirm the main issues causing your neck pain. They will make a personalized program for you, utilizing a range of treatments including:

• Manual therapy & soft tissue massage
• Posture correction & stretching exercises
• Postural taping techniques
• Modalities & specialty treatments (dry needling, cupping, etc.)
• Posture and ergonomic education
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (Graston)
• … plus more

Adjustments you can start today!

You can start some things to adjust today!

We can help!

Whether you or your loved one has pain or you’re noticing some symptoms and think you might be suffering from tech neck….we can help! Schedule your free pain assessment today!

Sources

https://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/text-neck

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/text-neck-symptoms-and-diagnosis