Text Neck

Original Editor - Vidhu Sindwani

Top Contributors - Shoko Otsuka, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Vidhu Sindwani, Lauren Lopez, Rucha Gadgil and Kalyani Yajnanarayan  

What is Text Neck?

The term “text neck” was introduced by a chiropractor in US.

The definition of text neck is overuse syndrome, usually resulting from excessive strain on the neck from looking down at any handheld mobile device, which can lead to headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, breathing compromise.

The text neck posture during using hand-held mobile device is similar to the forward head posture, while the upper neck is held in flexion rather than extension.

There are many literatures on the association between using a mobile device and neck pain or symptoms which suggested the negative effects of text neck, whilst a majority of them have been concluded that existing evidence is limited.

The following studies have found no correlation between text neck and its symptoms assumed to occur:

Forward neck and neck pain/headache

• A study of over 1100 Australian teenagers found that despite higher rates of depression, forward head posture had no connection with neck pain or headaches.
• A study investigated the association between text neck and neck pain in adults and reported that the cervical flexion angle of the standing and sitting participant using a smartphone did not associate with the prevalence of neck pain, neck pain frequency, and maximum neck pain intensity.
• A systematic review found that forward head posture was significantly correlated with neck pain measures in adults, whilst no association was found between FHP and most of neck pain measures in adolescents.

Text neck and musculoskeletal symptoms

• A study investigated the associations of mobile touch screen device (MTSD) use with musculoskeletal symptoms and exposures, however there was limited evidence showing their associations.

Mobile devices use is causing young people to sprout horns

• Shahar and Sayers (2018) reported that the use of mobile devices is causing the development of prominent exostosis emanating from this enthesis in young adults.
• This research gained widespread attention and was subject to significant criticism due to significant limitations and flaws, such as the source, size of the sample, and the ability to conclude about smartphone use from X-ray evidence.

Epidemiology

In 2023, reports estimate the total number of global smartphone users to reach 6.8 billion. Given the global population to reach just over 8 billion, 8 in 10 people will be equipped with a smartphone (85%).

Recent figures have shown that around 87% of teenagers (14-18 years) in USA and 79% teenagers (12-15 years) in UK own and use smartphones.

Among adults aged 18-34 years, 92% and 95% reported owing a smartphone in USA and Australia, respectively.

Looking at the literature on the association between texting and neck pain, the answer is really muddled, because the studies that have been done on the topic are flawed.. Scientific studies don’t appear in a vacuum; they are part of a growing body of evidence. To simply report on a single study is misleading.

Further trials and longitudinal research is needed to establish association between texting and neck pain and guidelines for use.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

Cervical spine

The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae.

The main role of the cervical spine is to support and promote the movement of the head and neck.

It consists of seven distinct vertebrae (C1-C7) and six intervertebral discs (IVD).

Osteology

Vertebrae

Vertebra anatomy

The cervical vertebrae have three main features which distinguish them from other vertebrae:

• Triangular vertebral foramen
• Bifid spinous process: this is where the spinous process splits into two distally
• Transverse foramina: holes in the transverse processes. They give passage to the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerve

Atlas

Atlas

The atlas (C1)  is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis (C2). Has no vertebral body and no spinous process.

Axis

Axis

The axis (C2) is easily identifiable due to its dens (odontoid process) which extends superiorly from the anterior portion of the vertebra.

Intervertebral Disc (IVD)

IVD

The cartilaginous endplate is composed of hyaline cartilage and is located adjacent to the subchondral bone.

• Serves as a barrier to nucleus pulposus pressure on the vertebral body to limit protrusion.
• Serves as the growth plate and is responsible for endochondral ossification.
• Permits diffusion of nutrients from the subchondral bone to the disk and serves as insertion points for the inner fibres of the annulus.
• The all and the posterior longitudinal ligaments (PLL) are confluent with the outer fibres of he annulus.

Joints

There are two different joints present throughout the vertebral column: the disc joint (determines how much vertebral motion is possible at a particular segmental level), and the facet joints (determine the type of motion)

• Disc joint, between vertebral bodies: adjacent vertebral bodies are joined by intervertebral discs, made of fibrocartilage (cartilaginous joint, known as a symphysis)
• Facet joint, formed by the articulation of superior and inferior articular processes from adjacent vertebrae (synovial joint). The scientific name for facet joints is zygapophysesal joints, hence they are also known as Z joints.

Ligaments

Ligaments

There are six major ligaments to consider in the cervical spine. The majority of these ligaments are present throughout the entire vertebral column.

• Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments: long ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
• Ligamentum flavum: connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
• Interspinous ligament: connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.
• Nuchal ligament: a continuation of the supraspinous ligament. It attaches to the tips of the spinous processes from C1-C7, and provides the proximal attachment for the rhomboids and trapezius.
• Transverse ligament of the atlas: connects the lateral masses of the atlas, and in doing so anchors the dens in place.

Muscles

The musculature of the neck is comprised of a number of different muscle groups.

Movement	Muscles
Flexion	Longus colli Sternocleidomastoid Scalene anterior Longus capitis Rectus capitis anterior (head only)
Extension	Levator Scapulae Splenius cervicis Splenius capitis Trapezius Erector spinae Rectus capitis posterior, major and minor (head only)
Lateral flexion	Scalene anterior, medius and posterior Sternocleidomastoid Splenius capitis Trapezius Erector spinae Rectus capitis lateralis (head only)
Rotation	Semispinalis cervicis Multifidus Scalene anterior Splenius cervicis and capitis Sternocleidomastoid Inferior oblique (head only) Rectus captitis posterior major (head only)

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process

Forward head dramatically increases the weight of the head on the spine, and the effect and amount of weight are powerfully and incrementally enhanced by varying degrees.

An average of cervical spine angle in flexion when texting is 37 to 47 degrees.

A study has shown that head weight increases to 18.14 kg at 30 degrees and 22.23 kg at 45 degrees, and this can lead to inflammation of the ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the neck, resulting in permanent arthritic damage with increased curvature of the spine.

A concern with children was raised due to their larger heads in relation to their body size than adults, thus they have an increased risk of potential damage on neck caused by text neck.

Clinical Presentation of Text Neck

Damage caused by untreated text neck can be similar to occupational overuse syndrome or repetitive stress/strain injury.

A paper proposed that the most common presentation of Text Neck is neck pain, stiffness and soreness. The main symptoms include:

• Stiff neck: soreness and difficulty in moving the neck is usually present when trying to move the neck after long usages
• Pain: can be localized to one spot or may be diffused over an area, usually lower part of the neck. Can be described as dull aching or can also be sharp or stabbing in extreme cases
• Radiating pain: there can often be radiation of pain into the shoulders and arms.
• Muscular weakness: shoulders muscles namely, trapezius, rhomboids and shoulder external rotators are often weak
• Headache: sub-occipital muscle tightness can lead to tension type headaches.

In addition to these common symptoms there can also be:

• Flattening of thoracic kyphosis
• Early onset arthritis
• Spinal degeneration
• Disc compression
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of lung capacity

Whereas, the symptoms indicated above were not given any supporting evidence in the article.

• No evidence of the correlation between text neck and pain has not been found.

• Mousavi-Khatir et al (2016) found the increased range of motion in cervical flexion after 10 minutes’ neck flexion and suggested the possibility of creep in the posterior ligaments of the spine due to forward head posture. This can affect the length-tension relationship of posterior cervical muscles and the stability provided by the posterior ligaments, and increase the activation of erector spinae, which may result in disc herniation led by the abnormal movements between vertebral segments. However, the study measured only range of motion and amplitude of neck muscle after 10 mins’ cervical flexion, not a change in actual ligaments. Thus, this hypothesis has not been proven.

Diagnostic Procedures

Full medical examination:

A complete medical history, including duration of electronic device usage and the onset of symptoms, must be collected prior to the medical examination. Pain should be assessed primally such as intensity, character, frequency and radiation to the neck or lower back.

Investigation:

After conducting a physical examination and collecting the patient's medical history, an X-ray can be advised. An X-ray of the neck shows curvature (usually curved backwards).

Management

Prevention is the key when it comes to Text Neck. The following recommendations from a systematic review of Text Neck should be kept in mind while using smartphones or other hand held devices:

1. Avoid excessive usage and take frequent breaks
2. Avoid prolonged static postures
3. Position the device such that it reduces stresses both on the head/neck and the upper extremities
4. Avoid high repetitions of movements such as prolonged typing or swiping
5. Avoid holding large or heavy devices in one hand for long duration

Rehabilitation is found to be very effective in treating the stress injury resulting from Text Neck. Rehabilitation can be designed as a 2-4 week program starting with soft tissue mobilization, Grade 1 and 2 joint mobilization, active and passive stretches of tight muscles and progressing to muscle strengthening, posture retraining and home exercise program.

In acute cases, pain relief is the main goal. It can be achieved by:

• Regular neck movements: rotations and side bending
• Restoring function to upper trapezius and serratus
• Chin tuck exercises
• Ice/heat packs
• Massage

In extreme chronic cases pain medication, injection into the facet joint or trigger point or acupuncture can be done.