Addicted To Your Mobile Phone? It Can Give You Text Neck; Know Symptoms, Prevention Methods And Complications

Addicted on mobile phones? The use of gadgets has increased tremendously in the past years. A day without mobile phones seems impossible. With texting, watching movies or gaming mobile phones have become an important part of everyone's life. According to researchers at Harvard Medical Health, seven out of ten people suffer from neck aches at some point or the other. According to studies, a person spends approximately five hours every day looking at their phones. Looking down at your devices can cause serious aches and pains. This position is also known as text neck which can be harmful to you in many ways

What is text neck? Symptoms, prevention and complication

What is text neck?

The term text neck was coined by US chiropractor Dr. Dean L. Fishman. It is a condition that is on constant growth among mobile phone users. You might have noticed yourself using phones with head forward slightly looking down, shoulders round and back bent. This posture is called text neck which can lead to stress injury.

Also read: 7 Home Remedies For Back Pain

Symptoms of text neck

You can experience symptoms of text neck if you spend more hours looking down on the phone. When you are looking down there is more stress on your neck as it has to carry more weight. Some common symptoms of text neck may include-

1. Stiff neck
2. Soreness and difficulty in moving the neck
3. Muscular weakness
4. Pain in neck, shoulders and sometimes arms

The symptoms may become severe if you are spending more hours on the phone.

Text neck can cause pain in shoulders
Photo Credit: iStock

When to see a doctor?

If the symptoms become severe you must visit a doctor. First, you should limit the number of hours you are spending on the phone. If ignored minor symptoms can later contribute to nerve pain.

Also read: 5 Harmful Effects Of Mobile Phones On Your Brain

How to prevent text neck?

The use of mobile phones has become an important part today. The dependency on mobile phones has increased with time. You must reduce the use of mobile phones as much as possible. You should take a break every hour. If you notice yourself using phone for too long, simply take a break and keep your phone down. You should also consider changing the placement of your mobile phone. If you notice any symptoms you must follow these precautions immediately to avoid any further complication.

Also read: Smartphone Dependency Puts Youngsters At A Higher Risk Of Depression, Warns Study; Tips To Reduce Smartphone Addiction

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.