Text neck: a global epidemic of the modern era

Abstract

“Text neck” is the term used to describe the neck pain and possible damage sustained from constantly looking down at a mobile phone, tablet, or other wireless devices for an extended period of time. As a result of this uncomfortable position of the head, shoulder and neck muscles have to deal with that increased weight burden. The known long-term consequences may include neck discomfort, neck pain, stiffness, and headaches, which may get worse over time. Many people may use smartphones with the head shifted forward and the smart phone placed near the waist or lap while in a sitting position. This flexed neck posture can increase the moment of the cervical spine and induce muscle strain in adjacent portions of the cervical spine It is especially concerning because young, growing children could possibly cause permanent damage to their cervical spines that could lead to lifelong neck pain. Exercise and stretching can play a big part in preventing and relieving text neck.

Prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome among Doctors

“…Thus we should hold our mobile mobile phones in a relaxed posture to avoid load on our neck muscles. 6 We all know that TNS has emerged as a global epidemic of the modern era of technology. Thus, awareness of TNS associated with nomophobia should be created amongst doctors as well as general population to avoid life-long chronic neck pain and other deformities related to musculoskeletal system.…”

“…With an enhanced application in the last two decades, it has become an integral part of It has been advocated in studies that persistent smart phone practice can contribute to the evolution of musculoskeletal disorders. 6,7 Dr. Dean L. Fishman first coined the term Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) which occurs as a result of overuse injury. When the mobile phone is held in wrong posture, there is flattening of normal curvature of cervical spine due to forward flexion of the neck, which ultimately leads to severe musculoskeletal pain along with upper back pain.…”

Spinal alignment in habitual standing position and while using smartphones in healthy young adults

“…The forward position of the head causes a mechanical load on the joints and ligaments of the cervical spine due to the increased gravitational moment [4,16]. Furthermore, frequent forward bending of the head affects the magnitude of cervical lordosis and affects passive and active elements of the musculoskeletal system, causing changes in posture and increased pain in the neck and related areas [17,18). in a cross-sectional study, the total time using a smartphone was significantly associated with the occurrence of pain in the area of the left or right shoulder girdle and neck in university students and employees [19].…”

Impact of text neck symptoms on posture and mobility among college students: A study utilizing a self-designed questionnaire

“…Not only does it allow us to stay connected, it is also a gateway to entertainment, networking, navigation, schedules, etc. [9]. For every new piece of technology, the list of illnesses is expanding.…”

“…We've all looked down on reading for years. People tend to do this for much longer periods and it is especially worrying because young, growing children could cause permanent damage to their cervical spines which could lead to lifelong neck pain [9,11].…”