Alabama in the United States is a long way from humble Peterborough in the United Kingdom. Alabama chiropractor Matt Smith, however, has recently hit US headlines by identifying a condition which he refers to as ‘text neck.’
Of course, chiropractors around the world are already aware of how tablets and smartphones are adversely affecting people’s posture. Dr. Smith, though, has identified what he believes is a direct link between poor posture and early onset arthritis.
What is ‘Text Neck’ and Should You be Worried?
As a rule, when a Chiropractor in Peterborough makes a diagnosis, a variety of patient lifestyle factors have to be taken into account. Does a patient sit for long periods? Do they slouch? Have they at some point suffered a serious neck or back injury?
Sadly, one factor which affects almost all people is the simple fact that almost everyone in 2018, spends the majority of their free time looking down at screens, as they monitor and update their social media profiles. What is more, increasing evidence suggests that as well as so-called ‘text neck’ recurring neck pain, through overuse of such technology, may lead to increased risk of chronic arthritis.
Can a Chiropractor in Peterborough Help Prevent Early Onset Arthritis?
Why text neck is a problem is simple. The human head is heavy and simply not designed to sit at a 15 to 20-degree angle to the rest of the body. This being the case, the fact that it does is leading to pressure on (and expedited deterioration of) vertebra in the neck and upper back area.
Thankfully, when identified early, a chiropractor in Peterborough can adjust vertebra slightly, in order to release pressure. The only thing a chiropractor in Peterborough can’t do is prevent so-called ‘text neck’ from developing into arthritis. Not, that is, unless patients themselves are willing to modify how they interact with modern technology.
Should You Ditch Your Smartphone?
As a rule, even the very idea of reducing smartphone usage strikes fear into many people. As well, though, as the potential for musculoskeletal and arthritic problems, it is no secret that social media is actually making many people very unsocial.
Because arthritis is now striking people in their late teens and early twenties, children especially should be dissuaded from using smartphones and other mobile tech devices. Meanwhile, adults would also be wise to start at least monitoring just how much time they spend using things like mobile social media apps. – This and consider whether the long-term medical implications might really be worth the trouble.
