Technology Ushers in New Age of Health Conditions – Text Neck

In this day and age we are constantly bombarded with non-stop updates about the news, weather and social media thanks to technology. Perhaps one of the greatest inventions in history is the smart phone, literally bringing the world to our fingertips.

In the past decade it has totally changed the way we live our lives and interact with our world. The ability to stay connected to people, manage tasks and be productive has improved quality of life, for the most part… There are a variety of new health conditions coming from a large change of how we are living our lives.

The latest buzzword in healthcare is Text Neck. While this is not an official diagnosis it is something that is becoming prominent in the offices of healthcare providers. The constant strain of looking down at our portable devices is altering the normal structure of the cervical spine or in layman’s terms the neck.

The repetitive action of looking down reverses the normal curve in the neck and deforms the muscles and ligaments that support the neck and puts stress unto the myriad of nerves in the head and neck region. This condition is classified as Occipital Neuralgia and is related to conditions such as headaches and migraines.¹ It is estimated that looking down at devices for extended periods of time can add a strain of 60 pounds to the entire spine.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

The common treatment method for Occipital Neuralgia involves multiple injections to the nerves around the base of the skull to block the signals. In Kissimmee, Florida Dr Scott Pancake is taking a natural approach to the condition. As an Upper Cervical Chiropractor Dr Pancake is an expert in the alignment of the spinal bones and the nerves that travel through them.

Typically when the nerves are affected it is due to a misalignment of the spinal bones specifically the Atlas bone (C1 vertebra). It has been proven through scientific research that a misalignment of the Atlas bone affects the spinal cord and the nerves that arise from it.²

By carefully evaluating the condition and delivering a Specific Upper Cervical chiropractic adjustment the proper function of the nerves and structure of the neck can return to normal over time.

References:

1. Estes AC. My Smartphone Gave Me a Painful Neurological Condition. http://gizmodo.com/my-smartphone-gave-me-a-painful-neurological-condition-1711422212 (accessed 28 June 2015).
2. Grostic JD. Dentate Ligament-Cord Distortion Hypothesis. Chiropr Res J, 1988; 1(1):47-55.

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If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.