Text Neck Syndrome… Today's Syndrome

Lifestyle places gadgets as items that must be present in daily activities. Gadgets in the form of cellphones are things that almost everyone has. The owner feels like he can't live without his presence.

However... frequent use of cell phones for too long can have serious repercussions. Apart from having an impact on the eyes, there are other effects it gives. Another impact is text neck syndrome.

What is Text Neck Syndrome?

Text neck is a term used to describe a condition when a person experiences tension and pain in the neck and back area. This is caused by bad head posture when using a cellphone or electronic device for a long time. When a person lowers their head to look at an electronic device screen, especially at an extreme angle, the load on the neck increases because the head becomes heavier as it leans forward.

Called text-neck because this syndrome is associated with the activity of sending messages for too long. There are also activities that follow and make a person have to look down for too long to see the screen of a cellphone or electronic device, such as playing games, working or browsing.

Effects of Text Neck Syndrome and How to Avoid It

Overuse and not being aware of poor head posture when using electronic devices can lead to a variety of problems, such as:

1. Muscle Strain: Poor head posture can cause the muscles of the neck and upper back to become tight and tired from working too hard to support the forward tilt of the head.
2. Neck and Upper Back Pain: Muscle tension and excessive pressure on the structures of the neck and upper back can cause chronic pain, discomfort, and stiffness in the area.
3. Impaired Posture: Prolonged use of poor head posture can affect overall posture, with shoulders arching forward and backs hunched over.
4. Impaired Respiratory Function: When the head leans forward, the unnatural position of the neck can affect the ability of the lungs to obtain sufficient space to breathe optimally.  

Several steps can be taken to avoid text neck or reduce the risk. These steps include:  

1. Position the Screen Properly: Position your electronic device so that you can look at the screen with straight eyes, without having to tilt your head too far.
2. Practice Good Posture: Make sure you maintain good posture when using electronic devices. Hold the device with a relaxed arm, and bring the device to eye level instead of looking down.
3. Rest Regularly: Give your neck and back regular rest during prolonged use of electronic devices by changing positions or doing simple stretches.
4. Pay Attention to Usage Time Limits: Limit the time you use electronic devices, and take regular breaks to give your neck muscles and structures a chance to rest.  

If you experience pain or problems related to neck text, please consult a health professional such as a doctor or physiotherapist. They can provide appropriate evaluations and suggestions for addressing any posture problems and pain you are experiencing.