With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain, including tension neck syndrome a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) commonly known as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck’, national Spinal Health Week (26 May to 1 June) is dedicated to promoting spinal health and preventing the incidences of tech neck in Australians of all ages.
MSDs affect the joints, bones, muscles and multiple body areas (including the neck) and cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.
President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) Dr Billy Chow said that “with tech neck emerging as a growing global public health concern, together with the projected increase in MSDs over the next two decades, the health burden on Australians and our economy is and will continue to be significant.”
“With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95 per cent of Australians accessing the internet via a smartphone, the focus of ACA’s annual national Spinal Health Week is on encouraging Australians to adjust their thinking and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health and avoid debilitating tech neck,” said Dr Chow.
“Once primarily experienced by seniors, with the advent of smart devices and wide-spread use of tablets and computers by people of all ages including children; we’re seeing a growing number of younger patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from cervical spine disorders due to incorrect use of technology devices.“
Studies have shown smartphone and computer use can have a significant impact on pain severity among tech neck sufferers with the most prevalent symptoms of neck and back pain linked to the length of time spent using a device and the degree of discomfort experienced.
Caused by poor posture and the prolonged or incorrect use of digital devices, tech neck can lead to headaches, neck, shoulder and upper back pain that over time, can lead to changes to the natural curve of the cervical spine.
A recent study ‘The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students’ published in Nature (29.8.2024), examined the correlation between phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain in university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use by university students, with almost 87 per cent of Australians now regular smartphone users and 75.5 per cent being daily computer users, it’s fair to consider the findings may be broadly applied to the population generally, particularly young people who’ve grown up using smartphones and tablets,” said Dr Chow.
“While more studies are needed to better understand the implications of incorrect and overuse of technology on spinal health; to help prevent tech neck, we need to re-think how we use devices particularly young people who spend prolonged periods with their head bent forward viewing a smartphone,” he said.
“When it comes to smartphones, not only must we monitor the length of time we use our devices, but we must be cognisant that overuse and the way we use them can negatively impact our spinal health as well as our mental health,” Dr Chow said.
“The ACA recommends limiting recreational screentime to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to prevent bending the neck forward, changing posture and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck from side-to-side.”
“Computer use is also a primary cause of tech neck. Although most common among office workers, with 75.5 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 64 using computers daily, incorrect use and computer set up can lead to a range of MSDs.
“Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university or at work; it’s essential to take regular postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching and ensure workstations are set up ergonomically correct to help prevent tech neck, increase productivity and maintain overall spinal health and
wellbeing.
“During Spinal Health Week, we’re encouraging all Australians to adjust their thinking on how they use smartphones, tablets and computers to help prevent persistent, aggravated head, neck and upper back injuries which impact productivity at home, school and at work,” he said.
