So-called “technological diseases” are on the rise. Tech-neck is one of them. This is because the use of new technologies is becoming increasingly more common in people’s daily routine. Practically everyone uses cell phones, laptops, and tablets every day, be it for work or leisure and fun. The thing is that few people use them correctly.

According to a study published by CBS News, people spend an average of two to four hours with their necks bent, due to the use of this type of electronic device. This is equivalent to 700-1400 hours a year and leads to syndromes such as tech-neck. What exactly is it? What are its symptoms? What causes it? Continue reading to find out.

“Anybody have plans to stare at their phone somewhere exciting this weekend?”

-Nitya Prakash-

What’s tech-neck? What causes it?

Tech-neck is also known as “text neck syndrome”. It’s considered a technological disease caused by repeatedly bending the neck when using cell phones. Repeating this bad posture can lead to great physical discomfort.

This syndrome also appears when you spend many hours looking at the cell phone (you don’t have to be texting). When you consult news or social media, for example. As you can see, it’s the result of poor posture and bad habits.

The symptoms of tech-neck

As you can see, tech-neck derives from the recurrent inclination of the neck when seeing cell phones (or other similar devices). It’s a practice that can cause real physical discomfort. Thus, the most characteristic symptoms of tech-neck are cervical pain and stiffness, poor posture, headaches, and a sore back.

It can also cause other conditions, such as tendinopathy or tendonitis (a tendon disorder that causes the kind of pain that worsens with movement, as well as inflammation and deterioration of the tendon’s function). Thus, this disorder can cause dysfunctions in the neuromusculoskeletal system.

The joint alignment may alter if the spinal column doesn’t work properly and cause disorders such as disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, and contractures, among symptoms.

Related ailments

Beyond tech-neck, the overuse of the thumb can lead to joint stress and produce two other types of ailments:

1. Quervain’s tenosynovitis (a type of inflammation).
2. Rhizarthrosis of the thumb, which is common in those who sew.

Physical therapists’ warnings

Many of these therapists have warned of the large wave of tech-neck syndromes they’re seeing lately in their offices. For instance, Monica Rodriguez, a physiotherapist, explains that increasingly more people are seeking consultations for this reason (and for other technological diseases derived from prolonged and inadequate use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers in general).

Ways to prevent tech-neck

Experts recommend the following tips to prevent the appearance of this and other technology-related diseases:

• Place the screen on your cell phone, tablet, or laptop slightly below your eyes: this will keep your back straight.
• Maintain an upright posture.
• Prioritize voice notes over messages.
• Use both hands to type, placing your wrist in a neutral position.
• Sit properly.
• Reduce the time you spend using these types of devices.
• In the case of computers, position your keyboard and mouse in a way that doesn’t close the wrist. You should support the forearms and place a cushion under your wrist. According to experts, the keyboard should ideally be placed below the elbow.
• Rest every thirty minutes if you work with the computer all day.
• Do active stretches, those that allow you to extend your wrist.
• Do active back stretches.

Mind the small habits

Daily habits greatly affect health. As you’ve seen, simple things such as using your cell phone can be bad for you both physiologically and psychologically. For example, one of the symptoms of tech-neck is chronic headaches.

Logically, you can prevent tech-neck and other “technological diseases” if you follow some of the tips we mentioned above. Also, you must reduce the time you use these types of devices.

If you already developed the syndrome, it’s best to consult a physical therapist. They can help you recover your physical and mental well-being.

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