“Tech Neck” Epidemic: Rising Musculoskeletal Pain Grips Younger Generations
Paris, France - 2024/10/02 08:12 CET – A surge in musculoskeletal disorders, dubbed ”tech neck,” is increasingly impacting young people, prompting health professionals to warn of potential long-term damage from prolonged smartphone and computer use. What was once considered an “old person’s” ailment – chronic neck and back pain - is now manifesting in individuals at increasingly younger ages, raising concerns about a generation facing premature physical limitations.
The pervasive nature of digital devices in modern life, coupled with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, is fueling this trend. While not solely attributable to phone usage, experts say the sustained, forward-head posture adopted while texting or scrolling places significant strain on the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and possibly permanent damage if left untreated. “An untreated ‘text negotiation’ can lead to serious permanent damage,” cautions Svitlana Hulko, as reported by Ouest-France.
Julie Boisgontier offers practical advice for mitigating the risks: “My easiest advice is to change your posture regularly and take breaks. It is indeed also critically important to rest your eyes. To do this, you can look around to move your eyes or close your eyes.” The issue extends beyond simply blaming smartphones; the root cause is often a combination of factors reflecting a hyperconnected and inactive lifestyle. Musculoskeletal disorders are rarely caused by a single element,and preventative measures are crucial to address the growing problem.
