The global technology boom may have improved our lives and connected the world, but it has also caused an epidemic of “Tech Neck” and contributed to some serious health problems.

New York spine surgeon Dr. Kenneth Hansraj published research in 2014 measuring the effects of forward head posture (aka tech neck) on the cervical spine and found that a normal 12-pound head can weigh as much as 60 pounds when bent forward.

Imagine walking around all day with a child wrapped around your neck!

Forward head posture has been linked to conditions like spinal degeneration, disc disease, abnormal curvatures of the spine, headaches…even respiratory problems, depression, and reduced mortality.

“I gotta hit the gym to work on my neck…” said nobody, ever! 😉

When you consider what the neck does (connects your head to your body) it’s pretty darn important…

The neck is the most free and mobile part of the spine, and in order to be able to move your head around freely and safely, your neck needs to have a strong core… Yes, just like your lower spine/trunk has ‘a core,’ so does your neck!

One of the biggest sign’s that your neck core is not working properly is what’s called anterior spinal distortion. AKA tech neck.

Healthy TV | Episode 062

Do you get back and neck pain while driving?

I’ve been on the road a lot this month and it has reminded me how terrible travel can be on your spine…

Whether it’s a simple ache in your back from lack of movement, or a more serious concern like radiating pain into your buttock, leg or arm, the main solution is the same:

Healthy TV | Episode 061

Are you concerned about developing the Grandma Hump? Don’t worry – it’s not genetic, but it’s getting way more common with the emergence of tech neck…

The fancy name for the abnormal curve of the upper back that results in a hunched posture and a bump at the base of the neck is called a ‘Dowager’s Hump.’

Since this problem is most easily seen in elderly women I can understand if you assumed you don’t need to worry about it…