In recent years, people’s posture has become increasingly affected by the use of technology and devices that weren’t previously available, and professionals are taking notice. “The term ‘text neck’ has become increasingly prevalent in describing the effects of extensive phone use,” says Jennifer Ruoff, M.S., OTR/L, director of Occupational Therapy Clinical Services for FOX Rehabilitation. “Text neck describes the tendency for people to tilt their head and neck down toward their phones when they are in use. The stress caused by bending your neck at this angle carries down and increases pressure on your spine and can push the ligaments beyond their limit. Over time, the ligaments and tissues around the spine begin to break down and spinal discs can become pressed, causing pain and a change in the spine’s overall pattern.” Jennifer adds that adaptions like standing desks and stability balls in the work place can help people proactively avoid slouching. READ MORE