Your Smartphone is a Pain in the Neck

-Alexandra Metzler 

Texting has become painful. Headaches, neck cricks, achy shoulders.

You might have what physical therapists call “Text Neck.”

"Text Neck is not just a texting problem," said Dr. Dean Fishman. "Text neck is a gaming problem. Text neck is an e-mailing problem."

The term was originated by Fishman in 2008 while examining a 17-year-old patient complaining of head and neck pain. As Fishman glanced over and saw her posture.

The teen was sitting in a chair, hunched over her smartphone--texting.

A recent study published in Surgical Technology International's 25th edition by spine surgeon Kenneth Hansraj says texting may be hurting your back. Staying in what experts call the "forward head posture" can lead to muscle strain, disc herniation and pinched nerves. Over time, it can even flatten or reverse the natural curve of your neck and can put up to 60 pounds of pressure on the neck.

"We recommend that people should continue to enjoy their smart devices, but that they pay specific attention to where their head is in space," Hansraj told the Huffington Post. 

Dr. Michelle Collie, director of Performance Physical Therapy in Rhode Island said it can also create metabolic problems.

According to experts, breathing in a slumped position can reduce the capacity of your lungs by 30 percent.

A lack of oxygenated blood flowing through the body can potentially lead to vascular disease. Gastrointestinal problems can be caused by pressure placed on the organs in a bad posture.

The question is, “How we can fix this?”

Collie said to be aware of your body. Keep your feet flat on the floor, roll your shoulders back and keep your ears directly over them so your head isn't tilted forward. Use a docking station and wrist guards to support the weight of a mobile device. Buy a headset.

Fishman's Text Neck Institute created a mobile app to help you remember to avoid forward head posture.

When your Android phone (the app is not yet available on iTunes) is held at a safe viewing angle, a green light shines in the top left corner. When you're at risk for Text Neck, a red light appears. Optional vibrations or beeps can be added as a warning.

Most importantly, the physical therapists agree on taking frequent breaks while using any mobile device or desktop computer. About every 20 minutes, stand up, roll your shoulders and neck or go for a short walk to improve blood flow.