Texting is something most people do throughout the day. While it may seem harmless, how you text can cause problems. Hunching over your phone can lead to neck pain, which is why it’s wise to be mindful of your posture. Abandoning bad habits helps avoid chronic and debilitating issues and can alleviate other posture-related problems, such as back pain.

How to Prevent Texting Neck Pain

1. Raise Your Screen

Most people instinctively hold their phone near their waistline or chest when texting. This causes you to hang your chin to your chest, the weight of which can strain neck muscles and ligaments and trigger discomfort. Avoid neck pain by raising your phone to eye level so that your neck stays in its natural position. If you often text at work, consider syncing your phone with your computer so can text using a desktop IM service.

2. Give Your Neck a Break

Any repeated motion that pulls your neck out of whack can lead to pain, so take breaks if you text often. Setting your phone aside for several minutes each half-hour is usually enough. Stand up, slowly tilt your head side to side, look in each direction, and carefully touch your chin to your chest. These stretches will keep muscles loose so that you avoid injury.

3. Know When It’s Time to Stop

Your body will let you know when you’re damaging your neck, so pay attention. If you experience neck pain while texting, even if it’s your first text of the day when you wake up, stop. Other signs include general soreness or discomfort; headaches; or dull, infrequent pain. If this becomes a chronic issue, see a chiropractor for more extensive treatment.

If you have back or neck pain, contact The Brost Clinic in Wayzata, MN. These award-winning professionals provide a variety of holistic treatments and traditional chiropractic care. Their skilled staff members treat several conditions and will use a combination of chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and acupuncture to create a custom treatment plan. Visit their website to learn more about the practice, and connect on Facebook for regular health tips. To schedule a consultation, call (952) 473-9637 today.