Text Neck and Forward Head Carriage

Technology offers undeniable convenience, but excessive use of smartphones and tablets can lead to poor neck posture known as "text neck" and forward head carriage. This article explores how these postures affect your spine and how a chiropractor in Winston-Salem can help.

Understanding Text Neck

Text neck describes the hunched posture caused by looking down at mobile devices for extended periods. This strains the neck muscles as the head's center of gravity shifts significantly forward. The average head weighs 10-12 pounds. Tilting it forward by just 15 degrees increases the force on the cervical spine to an equivalent of 30 pounds! Over time, this constant strain can pull the neck out of alignment. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment and alleviate pain.

Symptoms of Text Neck

Common symptoms of text neck include:

• Neck pain, stiffness, and spasms
• Headaches at the base of the skull
• Shoulder pain or numbness/tingling in the arms
• Poor posture with rounded shoulders and a forward head
• Decreased mobility in the cervical spine
• Reduced range of motion when turning or tilting the head

Left untreated, text neck can lead to early wear and tear on the cervical discs, potentially resulting in degenerative changes and chronic pain. Early intervention through text neck treatment is crucial to prevent these complications.

Forward Head Carriage Explained

Similar to text neck, forward head carriage describes a pronounced forward position of the head relative to the shoulders. This misalignment puts excessive strain on the neck vertebrae and muscles. It often develops gradually due to sustained poor posture over time and is more common in older individuals.

Finding Relief from Text Neck

Our chiropractor at Dynamic Motion Chiropractic creates personalized neck pain treatment plans to address text neck pain and correct posture. Treatment may include:

• Spinal adjustments to improve mobility and alignment in the cervical spine
• Manual soft tissue therapy to loosen tight neck muscles
• Posture-correcting exercises to strengthen the upper back and combat slouching
• Lifestyle modifications for using mobile devices in healthier positions
• Recommendations for ergonomic support pillows and office equipment

By realigning the spine and retraining proper head and neck posture, we can help you find relief from text neck pain and reduce strain on the cervical discs. Additionally, correcting forward head carriage can prevent future progressive spine misalignments, neck problems, and related headaches or arm numbness.

Contact Our Chiropractor Near You in Winston-Salem, NC

Don't allow poor smartphone posture to compromise your spine health and mobility any longer. Dynamic Motion Chiropractic can help you get your neck posture back on track. Call us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free future.