Chronic Headache and Neck Pain

Text neck is a syndrome seen in people who are involved in excessive texting. It is a repetitive strain injury. Looking down for a long duration with a strained spine can lead to tension in the neck and shoulders, inflammation in the neck muscle and joints and chronic headache.

If not taken care of, text neck can lead to arthritic damage, increased curvature in the spine and even slipped disc.

What can you do to correct it?

- Posture correction: Avoid texting for long periods. When you do, try to keep the neck in neutral position where the ears are aligned with the shoulders.

- Neck extension: Perform neck extension exercises. 1. Raise the chin until a stretch is felt on the neck. 2. Bring the side of the neck alternatively towards right and left until a stretch is felt and neck rotation. If you follow this on a regular basis, it helps strengthen the muscles and keep the pain in check.

- Take frequent breaks between messaging, using iPad etc.

- Heat therapy: Treat your aching neck with hot compress to increase blood circulation and help the muscles relax.

- Stop doing what makes your neck hurt.