In the digital age, where smartphones and computers have become an increasingly important part of your daily life, you may find yourself experiencing increased neck pain. This neck pain, commonly referred to as text neck, is caused by looking down at electronic devices for extended periods of time and can be accompanied by chronic discomfort. But you can find relief for this discomfort with the help of a reliable chiropractic team.
At Ogden Chiropractic, we understand how much chronic neck pain can impact your day-to-day life. With this discomfort, you may find yourself struggling to do everyday tasks. If you believe you may be experiencing text neck and want to know how your chiropractor can help you alleviate this pain, keep reading.
What is Text Neck?
Text neck is a chronic ailment characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort. This pain is often the result of excessive use of smartphones, tablets, and computers. When you constantly bend your neck forward and downward to view your phone, tablet, or computer screen, you place strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain and tightness
- Headaches
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Upper back pain
- Tingling and numbness in the arms and hands
Text neck has become increasingly common among Americans due to the more regular use of handheld devices and the adoption of more sedentary lifestyles. From teenagers to office employees, many Americans spend hours each day hunched over screens, leading to extreme strain on their necks and upper backs.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
If you are dealing with text neck, there are several ways that your chiropractor can help you manage and reduce your symptoms. Your chiropractor is trained to assess your spinal health and can provide you with personalized treatment to reduce pain and restore mobility. Some of the most common treatments your chiropractor may provide you with if you are experiencing this chronic neck pain include:
1. Spinal Adjustments
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation or spinal adjustments, involves the manual manipulation of your spine to realign your vertebrae. This adjustment can alleviate joint restrictions and improve overall spinal function. By addressing misalignment in the cervical spine caused by text neck, your chiropractor can reduce pain and restore proper alignment. This adjustment will help your body begin the healing process.
2. Posture Education
One of the most important components of chiropractic care for text neck is educating your patients about proper posture and ergonomics. Chiropractors can provide guidance on maintaining a more neutral spine position while using your electronic devices or everyday activities. They may also recommend ergonomic adjustments to your workstation or chairs to minimize the strain you experience in your neck and upper back.
3. Exercise and Rehabilitation
Your chiropractor may prescribe specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles supporting your neck and improve your posture. The exercises prescribed by your chiropractor can help you increase neck flexibility, enhance muscle endurance, and prevent future episodes of text neck from regular electronic device use. By incorporating rehabilitative exercises into your treatment plan, your chiropractor empowers you to take an active role in your recovery and the long-term health of your spine.
4. Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, your chiropractor may incorporate soft tissue therapies into your treatment plan. These soft tissue therapies include massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy which can reduce muscle tension and promote the relaxation of tense neck and shoulder muscles as a result of text neck. These chiropractic techniques can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance your body’s ability to recover from the effects of text neck.
5. Lifestyle Changes
While going to your chiropractor is a great way to alleviate discomfort from text neck, it isn’t the only way to address this neck pain. In addition to regular chiropractic treatment, there are some lifestyle modifications you may want to incorporate to reduce the recurrence. These lifestyle changes may include taking breaks from your electronic devices, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and muscle tension, and incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine.
Reliable Chiropractic Care from Ogden Chiropractic
While text neck has become an increasingly common problem among Americans, it doesn’t have to be a permanent source of discomfort. Chiropractic care from a reliable chiropractic team, like our team at Ogden Chiropractic, can help you manage and alleviate the symptoms of text neck. With years of experience helping patients across the Northern Utah area recover from this chronic neck pain, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
In addition to treating text neck, our team provides treatment for vertigo, whiplash, carpal tunnel, and much more. If you are experiencing extreme neck pain or discomfort from excessive use of your electronic devices, don’t let this pain spiral out of control. Reach out to our team at Ogden Chiropractic today and begin the journey toward a pain-free life.