Text (phone) Neck Syndrome

The smartphone emerges as an inevitable gadget in modern society and its increased usage results in neck disorders among its users.

If you are reading this article, you are likely someone who has been diagnosed with “text neck” or “text neck syndrome. The term Text Neck Syndrome was created to describe this condition that can develop from frequent texting.  This sometimes controversial diagnosis was probably given following a physical examination where headaches and neck pain were present and your doctor asked you about your cell phone and computer use. But beyond headache and neck pain, you may have come to this article because you may have “mysterious” and unexplainable symptoms. We will discuss these symptoms below.

An epidemic of text (phone) neck syndrome.

In an August 2022 review study from doctors at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece (1), the warnings and concerns of neck pain and other symptoms becoming epidemic because of technology were given.  “New technologies and the potentially harmful addiction to cell phones and computers while reading or texting are inducing an epidemic of text neck syndrome. By focusing on postural correction, both pain alleviation and a better quality of life can be achieved for the patient.”

Prolonged periods of looking down at our phones will weaken and overstretch the ligaments along the neck, leading to “text neck.” The head is heavy, and the longer it is kept in a head-forward/flexed position, the greater the pressure on these ligaments. The frequent and prolonged flexion of the neck causes degenerative changes to the curve of the cervical spine and all the structures that support the neck. As the ligament weakness ensues, the forward head position worsens, and the ligaments can no longer keep the vertebrae in their proper alignment. To protect and stabilize the vital structures running through the neck, including the spinal cord, neck muscles will tighten and spasm. What we may feel is neck pain, tension headaches, and tingling sensations, among many other symptoms

What are the symptoms of text neck syndrome?

• Muscle tension and pain especially in the upper back and neck by the occiput or base of the skull.
• Tightness across the shoulders, headaches, and neck soreness.
• Pain in the back, arms, fingers, hands, wrists, and elbows. Some sufferers may also notice numbness and tingling in their upper extremities.

Severe symptoms of text neck syndrome

As we will discuss further below, the cervical neck ligaments, the supporting structures that hold the neck bones in place, become stretched and damaged. When the ligaments cannot hold the bones of the neck in place, the bones wander. When the neck bones wander they can compress the nerves, the carotid sheath, and/or spinal cord.

• The two most common mechanisms by which severe symptoms arise are:
  • venolymphatic drainage compression (fluid gets backed up in the brain, this is explained further below) leading to intracranial hypertension and alterations of brain function and,
  • cervicovagopathy (cervical-induced vagus nerve injury or signal interference) causing dysautonomia and systemic inflammation.

Anatomical, Neurological, and Psychiatric Symptoms

Now let’s listen to doctors at Kore University of Enna in Italy. In their paper, the doctors sought to better understand the mysterious psychological side of Text Next Syndrome. After reviewing previously published studies they wrote in October 2022 in the journal Clinical Neuropsychiatry (2): “The overall results (outcomes) showed a strong association between (non-specific/chronic musculoskeletal disorder in neck, head or low back (that are called Upper Disorders)  and mood disturbance, anxiety, depression, stress, alexithymia (the inability to express emotions), and low social support. Thus, high levels of Upper Disorders were associated with high levels of psychological disease.”

What can I do for Text Neck?

Of course, prevention is ideal, by keeping your spine and posture maximised and healthy. However, once text neck has advanced, and the ligaments are stretched out, treatment to strengthen the ligaments is what is needed and try to use the wooden pillow for your sleep to counterweight the text neck syndrome.

‍

‍