Smartphones and computers are now indispensable to work and daily life.
On the other hand, using them for long periods is said to be behind the rise of “text neck.”
Text neck refers to a state in which the forward-leaning posture you adopt while looking at a smartphone continues for a long time, placing heavy strain on the neck and shoulders.
Why does text neck happen?
Normally, the bones of the neck (the cervical spine) form a gentle curve that efficiently supports the head, which weighs about 4 to 6 kg.
But when you keep looking down for long periods, the head juts forward, so the muscles of the neck and shoulders must constantly support it, which increases the strain on those muscles.
Not only smartphones, but also:
• Computer work
• Tablet use
• Reading
• Long hours of desk work
and similar activities can cause text neck.
It can lead to problems beyond the neck
The muscle tension caused by text neck doesn’t stay in the neck alone.
Because the muscles of the neck and shoulders are connected to the back of the head and the scalp, the tension can spread and lead to problems such as:
• Neck and shoulder stiffness
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• A heavy, dull feeling in the head
• Reduced focus
and more.
“I thought my eyes were just tired, but my neck and shoulders turned out to be rock hard too.”
Many people find this to be the case.
Posture alone may not be enough
To prevent text neck, it is important to be mindful of your posture and take frequent breaks.
However, if the muscles of your neck and shoulders have already stiffened, trying to correct your posture may not bring the improvement you hope for.
That is because stiff muscles make the neck harder to move, which can lead you to fall back into the same posture again and again.
That is why it is also important to regularly reset the strain on your neck and shoulders.
What we value at La HEAD
At La HEAD, drawing on years of hands-on experience and knowledge of the body gained at an osteopathic clinic, we treat not only the head but also the neck, shoulders, back of the head and arms.
By carefully loosening the neck and shoulders, which bear the brunt of text neck, and working on the connected areas of the back of the head and scalp, we offer time to relax in both body and mind.
Our guests have told us things like:
“My neck feels lighter.”
“My head feels clearer.”
“My eyes feel like they open more easily.”
We are grateful to hear comments like these.
*How treatments feel and their effects vary from person to person.
Because you use your smartphone every day
Realistically, it is hard to live without smartphones and computers these days.
That is why, in addition to being mindful of your posture, it is important to make a habit of caring for your neck and head before the strain builds up.
“My neck and shoulders have felt heavy lately.”
“My eye fatigue just won’t go away.”
If that sounds like you, it may be a sign that strain from text neck is building up.
Why not make time to regularly refresh the neck and head that work so hard for you every day?