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.
Who is at risk?
With the trillions of text messages sent worldwide each year and the excessive time spent staring down at our devices, this problem isn’t going away. In fact, our teens are at increased risk as many spend 2000 hours or more per year exerting unhealthy stress on the spine from smartphone use alone.
Studies are already demonstrating increased degenerative disc disease and back pain in children.
What can you do?
1. MOVE
Movement is life. Every joint in the body must move properly to maintain its health and the function of the tissues around it. In addition, regular movement stimulates blood flow, boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, helps regulate endorphin release, and feels great.
2. REDUCE YOUR SCREEN TIME
This applies to adults but especially children and teens. Keep the majority of time spent on your device for productive work, minimize mindless browsing, and take a full day away from your phone every week.
3. GET CHECKED FOR POSTURAL PROBLEMS
We recommend all children, teens, or adults using smartphones or computers have their posture examined for evidence of spinal problems. You can even do a few of the preliminary tests by yourself right at home or work with the help of our handy “Perfect Posture Self-Assessment Tool.”
Click below to download it now.
If you prefer to seek help right away, CLICK HERE to request a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors.
For better or worse, it’s a sign of the times. Technology is here to stay and so are problems like Tech Neck. This significant health issue and many others caused by the introduction of our new lifestyles are on the rise and we’re only just beginning to see the potential impact of these stressors on our quality of life, longevity, and happiness.
Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University. He is the co-creator of Life By Design, owner of The Wellness Group, and co-owner of CrossFit 613. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life. Since that time he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.
