Association Between Text Neck and Neck Pain in Adults

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health
• Digital Health and Wellness
• Clinical Biomechanics

Background:

• The posture adopted during smartphone use, termed "text neck," is hypothesized to increase neck pain (NP).
• Previous research suggests a link between poor neck posture and NP prevalence.
• Understanding this association is crucial for public health recommendations regarding digital device usage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between text neck and neck pain in adults.
• To quantify the relationship between cervical flexion angle during smartphone use and NP.
• To determine if specific postures correlate with NP prevalence, frequency, or intensity.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study involving 582 adult volunteers (18-65 years).
• Data collected via self-reported questionnaires on sociodemographics, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, and smartphone use.
• Cervical flexion angle (text neck) measured using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device in standing and sitting positions during smartphone use.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between the cervical flexion angle (text neck) and the prevalence of neck pain in standing or sitting participants.
• The study also found no significant association between text neck posture and neck pain frequency or maximum intensity.
• Statistical analyses, including multiple logistic and linear regression, confirmed these non-significant findings (P > 0.05 for all primary outcomes).

Conclusions:

• Text neck, as measured by cervical flexion angle during smartphone use, was not associated with neck pain in this adult cohort.
• The findings suggest that the hypothesized link between text neck posture and neck pain may not be supported by objective measurements in this population.
• Further research may be needed to explore other contributing factors to neck pain in the context of smartphone usage.