What is Text Neck Syndrome - Do You Have it, and Can You Fix It? - EFFYDESK Ergonomics Blog

Text Neck Syndrome: Do You Have it, and Can You Fix It?

Lisa Kaela Yu

What is Text Neck Syndrome?

Text Neck Syndrome” is a term that was coined by US-based chiropractor, Dr. D.L. Fishman, to describe a repetitive stress injury caused by excessive use of various electronic devices. 

Also known as “Text Neck”, “Tech Neck”, “Nerd Neck” or “Turtle Neck”, this type of RSI essentially refers to pain caused by poor posture, such as looking down or hunching over for a long period of time. 

lots of computer workers are suffering text neck

While the average person’s head weighs 10 to 12 lbs, did you know that when your neck is tilted at a 60 degree angle, the weight exerted on your neck muscles increases to 60 lbs? This statistic alone suggests the importance of being mindful about your neck posture.

On the bright side, EFFYDESK is here to share some good news: spending time in front of the computer doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. In this article, we’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know on how to prevent the long term, negative effects of Text Neck.

Do You Have Text Neck?

Earlier this year, we conducted a survey amongst our Instagram followers and asked: “How many hours a day do you spend in front of a computer screen?” Out of 114 participants, your responses averaged to 8-12 hours per day!

Sometimes, our daily screen time is an essential part of our lifestyles; such as working in front of a computer monitor (or 2… or 3?) for work. Does your neck ever hurt from looking at your cell phone? Maybe you only experience some neck pain when looking down, or you experience some intermittent shoulder pain. 

Maybe you’ve been assigned to work remotely and you find yourself working more hours than usual trying to keep up with your tasks -- or maybe you’re used to burning the midnight oil, fighting through your promotion series in League of Legends. 

Regardless of whether your screen time is for work or for leisure, spending large amounts of time in front of a screen can wreak havoc on your physical health in the long run. 

Common Signs & Symptoms of Text Neck 

infographic that shows why you get text neck and shoulder pain

What are the most common signs and symptoms of poor posture causing Text Neck?

Text Neck symptoms can come in the form of…

  • Shoulder Pain
  • Dull, Aching Shoulders
  • Neck Soreness
  • Stiff Neck
  • Muscle Tightness
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Radiating Cervical Spine Pain
  • Pinched Nerve/Muscles

    • If any of the above signs and symptoms of Text Neck resonates with you, then your body is signalling to you that it’s time to get up and do some stretches to help “undo” the desk job damage that’s putting stress on your physical health.

    Can You Fix Text Neck?

    The short answer is yes. In essence, the root cause of Text Neck is poor posture. Here are some of the most common ways to improve your posture and prevent Text Neck pain: 

    How to Prevent Text Neck Associated Health Conditions?

    proper sitting can help you prevent your text neck during work
    • Raise your phone (or other mobile devices) closer to eye-level to prevent your head tilting forward.
    • Raise your monitor to a level where you can comfortably view the screen without tilting your head downwards.
    • Sit and/or stand up straight while using a mobile device, or sitting at a desk. Check out our blog “10 Tips for Optimal Sitting Posture” on how to achieve proper posture.
    • If you find yourself hunching forward, straighten up your torso and head posture by tucking in your chin and keeping your shoulders rolled back while working or gaming.
    • Stay active and incorporate daily stretches into your routine.
    Yoga Exercises can relieve Neck Pain

    Improve Your Posture & Prevent Text Neck Today

    Take Advantage of Ergonomic Monitor Mounts

    Ergonomic Monitor Mounts or Monitor Arms can help you let your shoulder and neck suffer less during neck

    Monitor mounts, also known as “monitor arms”, are used to elevate and organize your screens in a fashion that allows ergonomic viewing of all your displays. This allows for adjustments of monitor orientation in case of any existing discomfort.

    Using a monitor mount also helps to declutter and maximize your desktop space. Studies have shown that a messy desk leads to a cluttered mind, draining your energy and focus.

    Optimize Your Workspace to Prevent Text Neck 

    Business Office Electric Standing Desk can distress your shoulder and neck

    At EFFYDESK — we design, mould, and deliver the best Monitor Mounts for professional or personal use. Our VESA-compatible Monitor Mounts are designed to help you prevent Text Neck damage. 

    In addition to improving what’s on your desktop; why not upgrade your office desk while you’re at it? Browse our signature EFFYDESK Standing Desks and Office Chairs to help yourself get more done, more comfortably. Claim your 30-day free trial today.

    To learn more about how to work more efficiently from home, be sure to browse our ergomindfulness blog for more helpful articles like this one. 
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