Do you have “text neck”? Carol Cote, from North Jersey Physical Therapy Associates, explains “text neck” to Morning Mike
With the widespread proliferation of smart phones, tablets, and computers among young people, there should be little wonder that the biomechanical stresses of texting and typing while sitting is leading to worsening neck and back pain earlier in life. On a recent edition of the RNJ Morning Program, Carol Cote, the President and Director of North Jersey Physical Therapy Associates, joined Morning Mike to discuss what is becoming increasingly common: “text neck.” As young people spend eight to ten hours a day on their cell phones, they adopt postural adaptations and compensations over time that lead to neck pain, headaches, upper back pain, and even jaw disorders. Carol explained that overused muscles begin to shorten and tighten while underused muscles lengthen and weaken. She also noted that this can lead to changes in breathing patterns and, in some cases, even sleep apnea.
Physical therapy treatment can break this pattern of poor posture and associated pain. If you would like to learn more, Carol Cote would be happy to talk with you and explain how physical therapy can help. North Jersey Physical Therapy Associates is located at 490 Schooley’s Mountain Road, Suite 3B in Hackettstown (that’s Hastings Commons). Visit their website, northjerseypt.com, call 908-852-7575, or stop by their office.