Too much texting can be a pain in the neck — literally.

More people are getting aches and stiffness in their necks, shoulders and back from the way they look at their phones.

In fact, if you are reading this on your phone or tablet, you may be doing it right now.

Device held low? Head bent forward? Chin at your chest? Shoulders a little slumped?

It’s a common position in this age of smartphones. Trouble is, it’s not natural. We’re not built to do it for as long as we do.

The result can be a syndrome called text neck, and it can have real consequences for our health, according to experts at Lehigh Valley Health Network, proudly part of Jefferson Health.

“Text neck is the result of faulty posture, often the flexed or side-bent neck posture. It is common with people spending a lot of time on their mobile devices,” says physical therapist Jennifer Samok, DPT, Rehabilitation Services–Carbon.

Due to the unnatural posture, the weight of the head pulls on the neck and upper back while rounding the shoulders, and leads to headaches, neck pain and shoulder pain.

This prolonged poor posture can have more serious consequences over the long term, in the form of spine problems like degenerative disk disease (reduced padding between the bones of our spine), and spinal misalignment.

“Maintain good posture in general, but especially while using electronic devices,” Samok says. She suggests holding the device at eye level or propping it up at eye level while sitting at a desk or table, to reduce text neck symptoms.

It is also important to take regular breaks to prevent prolonged strain on muscles, says physical therapist Brian McElmoyle, DPT, Rehabilitation Services–Carbon.

If the symptoms of text neck persist or get worse, you may need to consult a medical professional. Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute has a full team of specialists who can get you back on your feet with the most comprehensive orthopedic care in the region.

Samok says Rehabilitation Services–Carbon, 2226 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive E., Suite 130, Lehighton, can offer relief to patients with a doctor’s referral.

“For people who are unfortunately already suffering with symptoms of text neck, rehab may be able to help alleviate symptoms and prevent reoccurrence through education on proper stretches for the neck and shoulders, McElmoyle says. Strengthening exercises for posture muscles and workstation ergonomic assessments can help, too.

Rehabilitation Services–Carbon provides therapies for people with back or neck pain, as well as those with sports injuries, balance issues or in preparation for joint replacement surgery, or after having orthopedic surgery.

The team offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, fall prevention and spine care from inside Health Center at Carbon. Lymphedema therapy will be added to their service offerings in March.