Many people are completely unfamiliar with text neck injuries, which are associated with the frequent use of handheld devices. It is a type of injury that is seen more frequently in recent years due to the rise in popularity of smartphones and other handheld devices.

Orthopedic health providers treat more symptoms associated with technology today than in the past. Text neck is one of them. If you are curious about text neck and orthopedic treatment, here's what you should know.

What Are the Symptoms of Text Neck? 

The symptoms of text neck are similar to those of other types of neck pain. They can include aching in the neck, neck stiffness, and heaviness in the head. The pain can be dull or sharp, which may be confusing for many patients.

To diagnose text neck, orthopedists will often ask patients about their symptoms and how they began. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms with your doctor during your appointment.

What Causes Text Neck?

Text neck is caused by the forward head position that people adopt when they use handheld devices. When you hunch over your device, it puts added weight on your neck. Orthopedists will assess the pressure on your spine to ensure you are dealing with text neck and not something else.

What Preventative Measures Help You Avoid Text Neck?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent text neck pain. First, make sure you have good posture when using your device. Try to keep your head up and your shoulders back.

Secondly, take breaks often when using your device. Stretch frequently, even when you are on your computer. Make sure you are walking around frequently and not staring down at your screen.

How Do Orthopedists Treat Text Neck?

There are a few different ways that orthopedists can treat text neck. If the pain is mild, over-the-counter medication can be effective.

If the pain is more severe, your orthopedist may recommend physical therapy or injections. Physical therapy exercises may include head rolls, upper body twists, and shoulder stretches.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct text neck. Your orthopedist will provide more information about surgery if this is something you might need.

How Can You Get Treatment for Text Neck?

If you think you may have text neck, it's important to see a specialist for orthopedist treatment. They can diagnose your condition and come up with a treatment plan that's right for you.