Doctors Say Text Messaging Can Lead to Neck Pain

Media outlets indicated that doctors have been speaking out about excessive text messaging resulting in neck and back pain for both teenagers and adults.

A new term to describe the condition has been coined as “text neck.” The natural inclination to lean your head forward while texting can lead to chronic neck pain, according to doctors. Teen Tara Elliot sends text messages consistently day and night, and she’s noticed the pain. “I didn’t really think about it because I carry a backpack that normally weighs about 45 pounds,” Elliot says.

According to Dr. Howard Neeman, this is another concern for chiropractors. He says that texting can force your neck to straighten and deviate from its natural curvature. “The head is down like this most of the time so therefore you start losing that curve. You will start to get stiffness in your neck. Then it kind of passes and then you will reach in the trunk to get some groceries and feel something in your lower back and that will last a few days.”

Dr. Neeman recommends sending text messages with the phone held at eye level and the head held upright.

If you develop chronic neck or back pain, this may be a symptom of a worsening condition. It may be in your best interests to speak with neurologists in your area.

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