Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: File

Yasmin Mohamed, a 32-year-old marketing professional, found herself increasingly plagued by neck pain as her daily routine became more screen-centric, whether at work, home, or on the move. Frustrated by her discomfort, Yasmin invested in ergonomic furniture, hoping it would alleviate her issues. “I believed this would resolve my problems, but the pain persisted,” she recounted. Seeking relief, she consulted healthcare professionals. “I never imagined that my phone and laptop could cause such discomfort,” she admitted. Yasmin’s experience is becoming more common, as many people are grappling with increased neck issues known as “tech neck” or “text neck.”

Patients suffering from tech neck frequently report persistent neck and upper back pain, limited mobility, headaches, and even tingling sensations in the arms. Rajbir Kaur, a physiotherapist specializing in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation at Fisio, a specialized wellness & physiotherapy clinic in Dubai, explained that tech neck is “an overuse condition where the neck is bent forward or downward for extended periods while using a smartphone or other device.” She added that the human head weighs approximately 10-12 pounds, and each 15-degree tilt forward doubles the strain on the neck. “Over time, this can impact the lower back, leading to stiffness and pain along the spine. Many patients with tech neck also experience lower back pain,” she noted.

The issue isn’t confined to office workers; it affects various professions, including healthcare and manual labor. “Workers in these fields often suffer neck strain from repetitive motions or poor posture,” Rajbir observed. “Manual laborers may strain their necks from repeated motions or poor positions while lifting heavy machinery. Drivers are also at high risk of developing neck pain due to prolonged sitting and poor posture,” she added.

Dr. Ruhil Badiani, a family physician at Cornerstone Clinic, emphasized the long-term effects of untreated tech neck. He explained that poor posture places excessive strain on the neck, potentially leading to serious problems like disc bulging or arthritis. “Chronic neck pain can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and cognitive issues. Over time, untreated tech neck can diminish your quality of life by restricting physical activity and exacerbating other musculoskeletal problems,” he said.

In severe cases where tech neck causes structural issues, such as bulging discs or nerve compression, surgery may be required. Common procedures include discectomy, which removes part of a bulging disc to relieve nerve pressure, and cervical fusion, which involves joining two or more vertebrae for stability. “Surgery is typically a last resort, considered only after other treatments like physical therapy and lifestyle changes have failed,” Dr. Badiani noted.

As awareness of tech neck increases, more individuals are turning to chiropractic care. Anisha Joshi, an award-winning osteopath, highlighted that the rise in patients is largely due to the public’s growing understanding of the consequences of poor posture. “The shift to remote work and increased digital reliance post-Covid has drawn more attention to postural issues, especially as people experience discomfort from their home office setups,” she explained.

To prevent tech neck, Anisha recommends several strategies:

Chin tucks: Sit or stand upright. Gently pull your chin back, as if making a double chin, and hold for 5 seconds. This aligns the neck and strengthens the muscles supporting your head. Repeat 10 times.

Shoulder blade squeezes: Sit up straight and squeeze your shoulder blades together for 5 seconds, then release. This strengthens upper back muscles and helps counteract slouching. Repeat 10 times.

Posture tips: Keep your screen at eye level, relax your shoulders, and ensure your feet are flat on the floor. Take breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and reset your posture.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com