Texting and Migraines: Are Smartphones Messing with Your Head?

Smartphones have become a staple of modern communication, connecting us in ways unimaginable a few decades ago. However, this convenience comes with a price—our health. The constant use of smartphones is contributing to an increase in headaches and migraines, a link many people remain unaware of.

Dr. Jeff Matheson, a migraine specialist and pain management expert at the Headache, Migraine & Concussion Centre (HMCC), has seen a growing trend: patients experiencing migraines triggered by “text neck.”

The Link Between Smartphones and Migraines

According to Dr. Matheson, many individuals don’t realize how their smartphone habits affect their health.

“We’re seeing more people complain of headaches without understanding that their smartphones are part of the problem,” says Dr. Matheson.

The issue lies in the combination of poor posture and prolonged screen time. Texting often involves looking down at your phone, which places significant strain on your neck and upper spine. This posture, referred to as Forward Head Posture (FHP) or “text neck,” can lead to tension in the cervical spine, a common trigger for migraines.

How Poor Posture Triggers Migraines

When you bend your neck forward to look at your phone, you increase the load on your neck muscles. Over time, this strain causes discomfort and may contribute to migraines.

Dr. Matheson explains, “The blue light from phone screens can also irritate your eyes, compounding the issue. The upper part of your neck, where the origins of migraines often lie, is under constant strain when you’re looking down at your phone.”

Migraines go beyond a typical headache, presenting with debilitating symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Texting by the Numbers

• The statistics are staggering:
• In 2023, Canadians spent an average of 5.5 hours daily on their smartphones.
• Over 95% of text messages are read within three minutes of being received.

Our reliance on texting has made it the preferred method of communication, but this modern convenience has health implications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people working from home, neck and back pain became increasingly common. In fact, nearly 65% of remote workers reported experiencing discomfort related to posture.

Tips to Reduce Migraine Triggers from Text Neck

Dr. Matheson emphasizes that prevention is key. While giving up smartphones is unrealistic, you can adopt healthier habits to minimize strain and prevent migraines:

1. Use voice-to-text tools: “Instead of typing everything out, speak-to-text,” suggests Dr. Matheson.
2.  Improve posture: Keep your phone at eye level to reduce neck strain.
3. Take breaks: Avoid prolonged periods of screen time by incorporating regular breaks.
4. Blue light filters: Use screen protectors or apps to reduce blue light exposure.

“It’s a modern problem without a perfect solution,” Dr. Matheson admits. However, small changes can go a long way in alleviating the strain caused by excessive phone use.

While these tips can help, Dr. Matheson acknowledges, “It’s a modern problem without a perfect solution. But even small changes can make a big difference.”

Seeking Relief from Migraine Pain

If you’re struggling with migraines triggered by posture or smartphone use, the Headache, Migraine & Concussion Centre can help. With expertise from professionals like Dr. Matheson, HMCC provides tailored treatments to address the root causes of migraines.

Additional Resources

 For more tips on managing migraines, check out these blog posts:

• 7 Common Migraine Triggers and How to Avoid Them
• The Role of Diet in Managing Migraines
• Understanding the Link Between Stress and Migraines