THE RISE OF 'TEXT NECK': HOW PHONES ARE RESHAPING OUR SPINES

Using a smartphone involves a frequent downward gaze, with the head in the forward position for lengthy periods, which can cause neck strain, eventually hastening the process of ageing in the cervical spine

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According to recent research, 79% of those aged 18 to 44 have their phones with them virtually all of the time, with only two hours of their waking day spent without them. Photograph used for representational purposes only

According to recent research, 79% of those aged 18 to 44 have their phones with them virtually all of the time, with only two hours of their waking day spent without them. Photograph used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: istock.com/ViewApart

Text neck is a repeated stress injury as well as pain, sustained from excessive watching or texting on handheld devices for long periods of time. The dependence on mobile phones is increasing rapidly, and people spend long hours on their phones, which leads to various musculoskeletal problems. Individuals with this syndrome usually present with neck pain, restricted cervical range of motion, reduced muscle strength and endurance, altered cervical joint position error, along with postural alterations like forward head posture and rounded shoulders as well.

According to recent research, 79% of those aged 18 to 44 have their phones with them virtually all of the time, with only two hours of their waking day spent without them.