Text Neck-Induced Cervical Osteoarthritis in a Young Adult: A Case Report

Text neck is a syndrome characterized by pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders resulting from holding the head forward for extended periods while using smartphones or texting messages. With the widespread use of mobile devices, cervical osteoarthritis is becoming increasingly prevalent among young people. A 25-year-old college student presented with recurrent headaches and persistent neck and shoulder pain for five years. Her symptoms significantly worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic due to extended hours spent texting on her smartphone (approximately 8-10 hours per day) and participating in remote learning on her laptop. Cervical radiographs revealed hypertrophy of the facet joints and narrowing of intervertebral spaces, indicative of cervical osteoarthritis. Treatment consisted of multimodal chiropractic interventions such as thermal ultrasound therapy, mechanical vibration massage, spinal adjustments, and mechanical cervical traction. After 10 months of intervention, the patient reported reduced pain, improved spinal alignment, enhanced neck mobility, and increased intervertebral spacing. This case study highlights that a lack of awareness of head posture contributes to the development and progression of text neck, emphasizing the significance of early recognition and proper care.