Watch out for Text Neck syndrome

Dr. R. Sreeramalingam, Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon , Ortho One Orthopaedic Specialty Centre, Coimbatore explains about the pain in the neck and spine due to excessive use of mobile phones

Sneha, a 20-year- old woman had complaints related to her neck and shoulder. After investigations that included X-rays, and blood tests, the reports were normal. However, rest and medication gave her only temporary relief and the cause for her pain remained obscure. On further investigation, she revealed the fact that she uses her mobile at least for 4-6 hours a day. On diagnosis the condition was found to be a result of “Text Neck Syndrome”.

The term Text Neck is used to describe a repetitive stress injury or an overuse syndrome where a person has his/her head hung or flexed in a forward position and is bent down looking at their mobile or other electronic device for prolonged periods of time. The text neck syndrome becomes the cause for other body and spinal issues.

It is a known fact that an improper posture while sitting can cause ortho/ muscular problems over time. We are not designed to sit in an improper position and once we get glued to this device we tend to ignore the right posture to sit which is the primary reason for the syndrome and spinal problems.

Generally, people in their 40s develop spine related problems but today, youngsters between the age group of 20-30 develop spinal problems. A 25-year- old, IT professional complained of frequent headaches. He is 6 feet tall and due to his height he ended up bending his neck most of the time when working on the computer and while using his mobile. The neck range of movement also decreased. This happens to be a typical case of Text Neck Syndrome. After appropriate treatment, he was completely relieved of his head and neck pain.

The average weight of human head is 4.5 to 5Kgs and this is the weight that the neck supports. When a person looks down or leans forward, the head weighs an additional 5 Kgs and it becomes tough for the neck to support the whole weight. This causes stiffness on shoulders, chronic headache, wear and tear, changes in the curvature of cervical spine and soreness in the neck

If this syndrome is left untreated it can cause:

 Inflammation

Nerve damage

Muscle damage

Disc compression

Spinal degeneration

Gastrointestinal issues

A few lifestyle changes and a tinge of yoga can help prevent this syndrome and the dark side of arthritis.

Tips to deal with the Text Neck Syndrome :

Stretching of neck and lower back

Strectching and relaxing the muscles.

Recommended to position the tablet/smartphone at eye level which can stop us from leaning forward.

Sitting straight with legs stretched is also another suitable position that can prevent spinal problems.

Parents should also monitor their child’s usage of phones and electronic gadgets as it may affect their spine leading to curvatures and early degeneration of spine.

For Appointments : Dr. R. Sreeramalingam, Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon , Ortho One Orthopaedic Specialty Centre, Coimbatore.