Have you heard of text neck?
According to Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, a spinal surgeon in New York, it is a very real thing. When we spend hours a day on our phones, our heads begin to drift forward, further and further… until THEY FALL OFF OUR NECKS. Just kidding, they don’t do that. But now that I have your attention let me explain something crazy that DOES happen.
Dr. Hansraj explains that when your neck is in a neutral position, the weight of your head is around 10-12 pounds. As your head drifts further forward the strain it places on your neck increases. At 15 degrees forward, your head puts a strain of 27 pounds on your neck, at 30 degrees that strain becomes 40 pounds, and at 60 degrees it becomes 60 pounds!
It is easy to see how the extra strain can lead to pain in the neck and shoulders, joint degeneration and even disc herniation.
We are so attached to our phones, so what is to be done? These acute and chronic symptoms can be combated by daily stretching, taking breaks from our phones and getting adjusted.
If you have any questions about “text neck” or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Hannah at (612) 562-6694.
