Tech Use Causing Chronic Neck Pain in Many Americans

The use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets by Americans is causing a chronic condition called tech neck.

According to experts at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, technology has led to a condition known as “tech neck”, chronic pain caused by prolonged use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets.

According to UT Southwestern’s study, Americans spend on average five hours a week staring down at their phones. They also spend even more time looking at computer screens and laptops. Looking down at the device for long periods of time can cause repetitive strain to muscles, bones, and nerves. This can lead to muscle stiffness, joint swelling, pinched or herniated nerves, and arthritis.

Kavita Trivedi is an associate professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the associate medical director at the Spine Center of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

A typical adult’s head weighs between 10-12 pounds. However, bending the head forward at 45 degrees – as is common when using a cell phone – can increase the force to 50 pounds.

Trivedi said that repeated use of this force could cause damage to the facet joints connecting our vertebrae. When this happens, surrounding muscles tighten to protect nearby nervouss. This leads to inflammation, painful knots and pain in the neck.

The multidisciplinary team at the UTSW Spine Center specializes in providing comprehensive care to patients suffering from neck pain of all types, including tech neck.

Nonsurgical treatment options include medications and physical therapy. They also include nerve blocks and trigger point and steroids injections. If surgery is necessary to reduce pain and restore functionality, the center’s surgeons offer advanced techniques.

The good news is, most tech neck patients don’t need surgery. We have a variety of treatments that are very effective. Trivedi said that there’s no reason to suffer from pain when it can be managed.

Some measures can be taken by those who do not suffer from neck pain to prevent it. Trivedi says that holding your phone as close to your eye as possible will reduce neck strain and help prevent future problems.

Trivedi said that phones and tablets were valuable tools and it was not necessary to give them away. The solution is to avoid tech neck when using these devices. If pain occurs, consult a specialist.

Original Blog: https://rehabpub.com/pain-management/chronic/tech-use-causing-chronic-neck-pain-in-many-americans/