Dr. Schechter Is text neck TMS?

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Question

I saw this article about "text neck". Is this a real thing, or is this TMS?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...coming-an-epidemic-and-could-wreck-your-spine

 

Answer

I think that excessive use of a smart phone with the neck in a awkward or highly flexed position can lead to an achy neck. However I believe their conclusions that this results in degeneration or need for surgery is far excessive and overblown.

There's a reality to poor mechanics of the neck or back contributing to short-term achiness or stiffness, but this is something that can be resolved in weeks or even days by altering one's mechanics. The conclusion that this leads to degeneration or surgery I believe is nonscientific and inaccurate.

Truly,

David Schechter MD

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