Call us

How to avoid 'text neck' in the workplace

'Text neck' could be caused by hunching over your smart phone.

Office workers around the world know what it feels like to have knots in their shoulders or strained neck muscles.

But did you ever stop to think about why this is such a widespread problem and whether bad habits could be causing you serious injury?

Chiropractors in the UK have found that a number of their clients are coming in with similar complaints, which has led to many of them calling the condition "text neck".

Yet unlike a text message, which is often casual, it is a serious health issue that is placing unnecessary pressure on neck muscles.

It is also an example of the type of repetitive strain injury (RSI) that is common to modern workplaces.

Irrespective of whether you use a mobile phone or tablet, hunching over a screen for extended periods of time can mean permanent arthritic damage in later years.

And according to Telegraph science correspondent Nick Collins in severe cases "the muscles can eventually adapt to fit the flexed position, making it painful to straighten the neck properly".

Rachel Lancaster, a chiropractor with Freedom Back Clinics in Leeds, told the paper: "Text neck is caused by the neck being flexed for a prolonged period of time."

"Sufferers are increasing as the use of smart phones and tablet computers become more popular."

Ms Lancaster used the analogy of resting on your ankle sideways for ten minutes and then experiencing stiffness when it is released to its normal position to describe the type of pain people with the condition can experience.

If you are sick of having a sore neck and don't want to waste money on expensive chiropractic treatments, it might be a good idea to overhaul the way you connect with friends or colleagues.

Taking the time to make a phone call could add just the right personal touch to an important board room deal, while using a green business card instead of sending details via sms may even reduce your risk of RSI.