Over time, looking forward and down causes a change in your posture known as tech neck. Photo: angelhell | Getty
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Got a kink in your neck? You are not alone, according to the data from ‘The impact of tech neck and neck pain in Australia’ survey.
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As part of Spinal Care Week this week, the Australian Chiropractors Association has released new data revealing tension neck syndrome, commonly known as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck’, is a significant public health concern.
In releasing the survey findings, conducted by research company Pureprofile, ACA president Billy Chow said the data revealed that misuse of technology does more than give us a pain in the neck; it is impacting every aspect of our daily lives.
A worrying trend observed since COVID-19 is that cases of children and teens experiencing neck pain has surged.
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Overall, 64 per cent of Australians reported experiencing neck pain (68 per cent of women versus 60 per cent of men) – much higher than the official statistic of one-in-five, with 70 per cent of neck pain sufferers reporting neck pain impeded their movement or day-to-day activities.
“The survey revealed women are the primary sufferers of neck pain in every age bracket, except 51-60, with women aged 31-40 (73 per cent) the most affected, reflecting a life-long, daily exposure to tech,” Dr Chow said.
Tech neck isn’t only affecting Australians’ physical health, sufferers are reporting that their mental health and productivity is impacted, with 24 per cent experiencing higher irritability, 20 per cent noticing poorer concentration and 23 per cent had sleep disruption; with women 43 per cent more affected by productivity loss than men.
A worrying trend observed since COVID-19 is that cases of children and teens experiencing neck pain has surged, making them vulnerable to spinal health issues and additional health implications now and in the future.
Australian Chiropractors Association’s top 10 tips for tech neck prevention
1. Sit with comfortable upright posture, with shoulders relaxed and feet flat on the floor.
2. Stop bending the neck to look down at a phone or tablet. Hold the device at eye level.
3. Limit the time spent using a phone to two hours per day, especially during leisure time.
4. Use both hands or alternate between left and right when typing on a smartphone.
5. Don’t walk looking down at a phone. Hold your head up straight and engage with the world.
6. Take regular movement breaks to look away from your device, move your neck from side to side and stretch every 10 minutes if using mobile devices and every 30 minutes if using computers.
7. Ensure computers are ergonomically set up so the monitor is at eye level.
8. Use an adjustable ergonomic office chair so the knees are slightly lower than the hips.
9. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy spine and overall health and wellbeing.
10. Consult an ACA chiropractor to limit and treat spinal health problems, including tech neck.
“ACA Chiropractors reported a sharp rise in tech neck among young people ... so it’s vital we educate kids early on healthy device habits to help prevent long-term neck-related health issues,” Dr Chow said.
With millions of Australians suffering from neck pain, national Spinal Health Week is dedicated to promoting spinal health and preventing the incidences of tech neck and related health issues in Australians of all ages.
Chiropractors from N8 Health Echuca will speak at Spinal Health Week’s theme ‘Heads Up on Tech Neck’ at Echuca library on June 1.
Learn the importance of spinal health and reinforce the critical role chiropractors play in addressing neck pain and posture-related issues.
Personal posture checks available following the presentation.
The free session is on at Echuca library at 2.30pm. To book, phone 5481 2400 or visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/library
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