Tech Neck: A New-Age Spine Problem

We all live in the digital era where smartphones, laptops, and tablets have taken over complete the life we live. These devices dominate both our professional and personal lives paving way to new health concerns that silently creep into our daily routine. One such concern that has lately become common is the Tech Neck. It is a common modern day problem that occurs due to the prolonged usage of the tech devices because of improper posture. However, this condition is often overlooked and rapidly becoming one of the common causes of spinal discomfort across all the age groups. Therefore, this blog from Sugam Hospital explains briefly about the new-age spine problem called Tech Neck, its common symptoms, and prevention of the same.

What Is Tech Neck?

The Tech Neck or Text Neck is also referred to as the stain or constant stress injury over the neck muscles and cervical spine. This occurs due to looking down at the electronic device for a prolonged period. Hence, on an average a human head weighs around 10-12 pounds and with the head bending forward and backward constantly the force is extended through the cervical spine. Hence, overtime this improper posture can lead to immense strain, disc degeneration, and even permanent changes in the spinal structure.

Common Symptoms Of Tech Neck

The common symptoms of the Tech Neck are as follows

• Consistent pain over neck, shoulder, and upper back pain
• Neck pain triggering headaches constantly
• Minimized mobility or increase neck stiffness
• The numbness or tingling sensation in hands and arms
• A complete change in the head posture

Why Is Tech Neck A Growing Concern?

The major reason for the increased concern in the tech neck is the rise in remote work, online learning, and increased screen time which is unavoidable in many situations. Nowadays, many individuals spend more than 5-8 hours of the day on devices and childrens are particularly vulnerable for this situation as their spines are still developing. The poor posture becomes a habit much faster and paves the way for long-term musculoskeletal issues. In addition, the Tech Neck is more than a physical concern as it can contribute to increased fatigue, poor concentration, and minimized productivity. Also, it can lead to chronic discomfort which can also lead to discomfort impacting mental health and increased stress and irritability.

Preventing And Managing Tech Neck

The best thing about the Tech Neck condition is they are preventable and treatable by taking conscious efforts and lifestyle changes.

Maintain Ergonomic Posture

The first step to overcome this condition is to maintain the right posture. Hence, it is important to keep the screens at the right level which is eye level to prevent the neck getting drowned. The next thing is to use a stand or the necessary accessories to keep the phones and tablets in one place. Finally, ensure to sit with the shoulders relaxed and back supported.

Take Frequent Breaks

Secondly, make sure to take frequent breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule. The rule states that to take a 20 second break to look or watch something that is far away. Hence, during this time stand, stretch, and move around to lessen the muscle tension.

Exercise And Stretching

Thirdly, practice neck stretches and strengthening exercises to improve your body posture. So, it is important to include yoga and pilates for the perfect spinal alignment.

Seek Professional Help

Finally, if the pain tends to persist then it is important that you seek professional help by consulting a physiotherapist or spine specialist. It is important to check at the earliest as it can prevent the issue from progressing to chronic neck pain or nerve compression.

Awareness

It is important to be aware of Tech Neck particularly for office workers, students, and parents. Digital wellness is more than practicing screen limits and how well we use the technology. Schools and the workplace must encourage ergonomic configurations, and healthcare professionals must teach posture hygiene to patients at consultations.

At Sugam Hospital, we see the increasing rate of lifestyle disorders such as Tech Neck. Our team of spine specialists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists offers detailed diagnosis, pain management, and customized treatment plans to deal with spinal health problems. Through early intervention, ergonomic guidance, and state-of-the-art physiotherapy, Sugam Hospital ensures that not just tech-related pain is cured but also patients are empowered to prevent it. Trusted for more than three decades, we believe in holistic healing and enabling individuals to live pain-free in the modern digital era.