In an upright posture, the head normally weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. When texting on a phone, it is common to bend the head forward and look down at a 45º or 60º angle, which places about 50 to 60 pounds of force on the neck.1 The neck is not able to withstand this amount of pressure over a prolonged period.
Text Neck Symptoms
- Pain in the neck, upper back, and/or shoulder
- Forward posture and rounded shoulders
- Reduced mobility and headache
- Increased pain with neck flexion
How to Prevent Text Neck
- Raise the phone up closer to eye level.
- Stand up straight with the chin tucked in and shoulders pulled back.
- Arch the neck and upper back backward periodically to ease muscle pain.
- Spend some time away from the phone—or any type of head-forward posture.
- Exercise regularly. A strong, flexible back and neck are better able to handle extra stress.
This information is not intended or implied as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images or other information provided is intended for general information purposes only. Always consult with your physician for diagnosis or treatment.
