Say Goodbye to Text Neck: Tips for a Pain-Free Screen Time

I was just having this very conversation with a client who came in and mentioned his neck pain was worse when trying to read for long periods of time. What a great topic for a quick blog post! So, let’s talk about something that’s been buzzing around lately: text neck. You know that nagging pain in your neck and shoulders after a marathon session of scrolling through memes and texts on your phone?

So, here’s the deal: we’re all guilty of spending more time glued to our screens than ever before. Whether it’s for work or just mindlessly scrolling through social media, our devices have become our constant companions. And with that comes the dreaded text neck—the result of craning our necks down for extended periods of time.

You’ve probably stumbled upon some alarming articles and photos about text neck, painting a grim picture of how it can wreak havoc on your spine and shoulders. Some say it’s like adding an extra 60 pounds of pressure to your neck—yikes!

But hey, let’s not freak out just yet. Our bodies are pretty resilient and can adapt to a lot of things. However, that doesn’t mean we should push our luck and ignore the warning signs.

Sure, our ancestors weren’t glued to smartphones, but they also didn’t have to worry about texting neck from staring at books or newspapers. The key here is awareness. If you start feeling tension or pain in your neck and shoulders or even numbness in your arms, it’s time to take action.

Now, I’m not saying you need to ditch your phone altogether. That would be unrealistic, especially if you rely on it for work. Instead, let’s make some small changes to ease the strain on your neck.

Try taking breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and move around. Raise your device to eye level so you’re not constantly looking down. And most importantly, pay attention to your posture—keep your spine in a relaxed, neutral position.

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance and being mindful of how our bodies feel. So, next time you’re scrolling through Instagram, take a moment to check in with your neck. Your future self will thank you for it!

Ready to give your neck and shoulders the relief they deserve? At Moon Tide Massage, conveniently located in Osterville, Cape Cod, we specialize in therapeutic massage techniques designed to ease tension and provide pain relief. Don’t let text neck hold you back from feeling your best. Book a massage appointment with us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Still unsure? We offer personalized consultations to tailor your massage experience to your specific needs. Whether you prefer gentle relaxation techniques or targeted deep tissue work, our skilled therapists are here to help you find the relief you’re looking for.

Take control of your well-being and schedule your appointment now. Your body will thank you for it!

~Norma Norcross RN, LMT