What is “Tech Neck Syndrome”?
The term describes what happens when you look down with your neck flexed forward at your hand-held devices, laptop or computer frequently for a prolonged period of time. Children and teens are especially at risk for suffering of tech nick syndrome.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can range from
- minor to severe headaches (migraine like)
- back pain
- neck pain
- structural developmental disorders (rounding upper back, scoliosis)
- digital dementia. “Digital Dementia” is a term coined by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer to describe an overuse of digital technology resulting in the breakdown of cognitive abilities.
What is the cure?
The most important things you can do are:-
- LOOKUP! Take a “Mobile Moment” and look up from your device. Pull your head back and elongate your spine for better posture and develop proper posture habits while using technology.
- Get your posture checked! The longer you leave your bad posture, the longer and harder it becomes to change. With extended time, bad posture can even become structural and permanent! This cannot be changed with treatment, only symptomatically managed. So don’t wait!
- Do regular maintenance spine appointments. Let us face it, we sit and work for far too long. With time these stresses on the upper back and neck will build up, even in the absence of symptoms. This pre-symptomatic state is the best time to unwind, release and reset the spine and neck. Effectively turning the hourglass over.