'Text neck' is affecting mobile phone addicts

Spending large amounts of time looking down at mobile phone screens and hunching over computers is increasing the number of people who are suffering from a condition dubbed as ‘text neck’.

Chiropractors believe tablet computers and smartphones are responsible for the rise in text neck cases, as games and the ability to go online increases the amount of time people spend using their gadgets.

They have also warned text neck can be a precursor to more serious conditions and could eventually lead to permanent arthritic damage. 

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Text neck is the term used to describe incidences when muscles in the neck become over-flexed, making straightening the neck painful and uncomfortable.

As well as a creating neck pain, headaches and pain in the shoulder, arms and wrists can also stem from too much gadget use.

Rachael Lancaster, a chiropractor from Freedom Back Clinics in Leeds, UK, has reportedly experienced a number of clients coming to her with problems caused from text neck.

“Text neck is caused by the neck being flexed for a prolonged period of time,” she explained.

“Sufferers are increasing as the use of smartphones and tablet computers become more popular.

She added: “If people continue to put their necks in these positions, the body will gradually adapt to the stresses.

“Because the head and neck move forwards, it will eventually lead to a reversal of the natural curve of the neck. Postural changes will then occur, which can lead to serious problems in this area.”

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