This term has been used more frequently lately. The media is talking about it, and of course chiropractors have known about it. Text Neck is the catchy phrase that has been assigned to the collection of health concerns associated with the modern lifestyle. Specifically the neck pain, back pain, tight muscles, headaches, forward head carriage andand numb tingly fingers that can come as a result of looking at our cell phones, staring at a computer screen and reading for hours on end.
These lifestyle activities can add up to 8-10 hours or more a day in a forward head position with our neck joints flexed forward. This many repetitive hours in an abnormal position can take it’s toll on our health. There is an equation in physics which can be used to calculate the physical load on a structure. This equation tells us that for every inch forward the head moves relative to the center of the shoulders that it effectively doubles the perceived weight of the head. When we are bent forward looking at our phones our heads can be shifted forward up to 4 inches.
This means that if the average human head weighs 15lbs that the perceived load on the spine can be as high as 240lbs! Multiply that by the number of hours spent in that position and it’s easy to see why this could overcome our bodies ability to compensate. Recent scientific literature indicates that up to 70% of all headaches are caused by improper neck biomechanics.
What is Text Neck?
Text Neck is just the newest catch phrase to indicate that our lifestyles can be detrimental to our health. At Perrone Wellness, we utilize the latest technology which can include digital static x-rays and Digital Motion x-rays (DMX) to analyze the spine looking for ligamentous, facet or other structural damage. Damage can occur suddenly in the case of trauma or it can accumulate over time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing neck pain, back pain, headaches or more serious symptoms such as tingling or numbness it is a good idea to schedule an evaluation with a Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) chiropractor that can formulate an individualized treatment plan consisting of mirror image specific adjustments, mirror image spinal remodeling traction and mirror image postural exercises to help strengthen and stabilize affected musculature.
At Perrone Wellness every patient’s condition is unique and will be fully assessed. If you have any questions about our treatments or to see if you are a potential candidate for any of them please contact Perrone Wellness Center today at (201) 489-9555 to schedule your initial consultation, and let’s get to work on finding a custom tailored solution to your pain that fits.
