Latest news with #SMCV
Sinar Daily
20-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Text Neck Syndrome: 8 hours a day on your phone? Your neck is paying the price
MALAYSIANS ranked among the highest digital device users in Asia, with an average daily screen time of eight hours and 17 minutes, which may result in 'text neck syndrome', a relatively new condition that has emerged post-pandemic with noticeable rise in cases among teenagers and young adults. The country also has the third-highest TikTok usage in Southeast Asia, averaging 121 videos per day. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), in a statement, stated that Malaysia's high digital consumption, especially among the younger population, is a significant contributor to the rise of text neck syndrome. It said that the Health Ministry reported that 67 per cent of Malaysians experienced neck pain at some point, making it the second most common musculoskeletal issue, yet many dismissed it as temporary or stress-related. "Poor workplace ergonomics further compounded the issue, as many endured long hours at non-conducive desk setups. This prolonged strain was increasingly linked to higher rates of sick leave in corporate environments, reduced productivity, and declining workplace performance,' the statement read. Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at SMCV, Dr Chang Kok Chun was quoted in the statement as saying that text neck syndrome occurs when there is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged forward head posture when looking down at screens. "When someone developed text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck underwent continuous strain due to poor posture. Over time, this caused muscle and joint fatigue, discomfort, and if left untreated, could even result in structural damage,' he explained. Dr Chang also urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the pain they were feeling and avoid ignoring it to prevent other health complications. He noted that the pain would initially provoke protective muscle spasms, visible in X-rays as straightening of the spine. "If ignored, this could lead to premature degeneration of the spine, including thinning of the disc between vertebrae and the development of bone spurs and facet joint arthritis over time, also known as cervical spondylosis (wear and tear of the joint and discs in the neck),' he warned. Dr Chang cautioned that this irreversible condition could lead to nerve or spinal cord compression, causing radiating pain, numbness, or pins and needles sensations in the arms, forearms and hands, while in severe cases, could result in weakness or paralysis in the upper and lower limbs, with persistent pain also impacting mental health and overall well-being. He said managing text neck syndrome involved a combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication and stressed that consistent ergonomic practices by reducing screen time, using proper posture, and incorporating regular neck relaxation exercises throughout the day were essential in managing this condition. Dr Chang acknowledged that while many were aware of the risks of text neck syndrome, breaking bad habits remained challenging due to heavy workloads. He encouraged Malaysians to make gradual improvements, such as adopting proper posture, ergonomic setups and regular neck exercises to protect spinal health. Meanwhile, Physiotherapist and Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine Services at SMCV Thomas Chua Wei Yeh said one of the most common postural issues was Forward Head Posture and this misalignment occurs when one tilts one's head forward by 45 degrees, increasing the load on the cervical spine from five to 22 kilogrammes. Thomas explained that this extra strain added over 1,000 hours of stress on the spine annually, leading to symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, spinal nerve irritation resulting in tingling sensations in the hands, and even early degenerative arthritis of the neck. "Physiotherapy, including manual therapy, postural retraining, and targeted exercises to relieve tension, build strength and restore proper alignment, was crucial for recovery and prevention. While most patients begin to notice improvement within three to six sessions, severe cases may require a longer treatment plan to achieve lasting results,' he said. According to Thomas, treatment plans are tailored to individual lifestyles and physical demands, focusing on reducing continuous screen time for students, promoting posture-friendly habits and optimising backpack use to avoid unnecessary strain on the neck and upper back. "While office workers should prioritise ergonomic workstations and integrate mobility breaks such as stretching routines to reduce muscular fatigue and joint stress. "Progress is tracked through a combination of clinical assessments and patient-reported outcomes. We assess range of motion to evaluate cervical and thoracic spine mobility, and test muscle strength in key postural areas. "Postural analysis helps us monitor alignment changes over time, while pain scales and functional questionnaires offer insights into daily performance and comfort levels,' he said, noting that improvements such as less reliance on pain medication and better tolerance for daily tasks are key signs of recovery. Thomas also warned against movements that worsened symptoms during recovery, such as abdominal crunches, overhead lifting, or prolonged typing with a flexed neck, stressing that while rest relieved immediate pain, long-term recovery required movement, postural correction, and strengthening. - BERNAMA
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
When Posture Becomes A Pain: The Digital Epidemic Malaysians Are Ignoring
Physiotherapist and Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine Services at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), Thomas Chua Wei Yeh shares that one of the most common postural issues that they always see is forward head posture and this will increase the load on the cervical spine from 5 to 22 kilograms - Credit: SMCV Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), Dr Chang Kok Chun explains that when someone develops text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck undergo continuous strain due to poor posture - Credit: SMCV Malaysians now rank among the highest digital device users in Asia with an daily average screen time of 8 hours and 17 minutes, and this has resulting in the rise of "text neck syndrome" in our country - Credit: Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysians ranked among the highest digital device users in Asia, with an average daily screen time of eight hours and 17 minutes, which may result in 'text neck syndrome', a relatively new condition that has emerged post-pandemic with noticeable rise in cases among teenagers and young adults. The country also has the third-highest TikTok usage in Southeast Asia, averaging 121 videos per day. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), in a statement, stated that Malaysia's high digital consumption, especially among the younger population, is a significant contributor to the rise of text neck syndrome. It said that the Health Ministry reported that 67 per cent of Malaysians experienced neck pain at some point, making it the second most common musculoskeletal issue, yet many dismissed it as temporary or stress-related. "Poor workplace ergonomics further compounded the issue, as many endured long hours at non-conducive desk setups. This prolonged strain was increasingly linked to higher rates of sick leave in corporate environments, reduced productivity, and declining workplace performance,' the statement read. Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at SMCV, Dr Chang Kok Chun was quoted in the statement as saying that text neck syndrome occurs when there is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged forward head posture when looking down at screens. 'When someone developed text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck underwent continuous strain due to poor posture. Over time, this caused muscle and joint fatigue, discomfort, and if left untreated, could even result in structural damage,' he explained. Dr Chang also urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the pain they were feeling and avoid ignoring it to prevent other health complications. He noted that the pain would initially provoke protective muscle spasms, visible in X-rays as straightening of the spine. 'If ignored, this could lead to premature degeneration of the spine, including thinning of the disc between vertebrae, and the development of bone spurs and facet joint arthritis over time, also known as cervical spondylosis (wear and tear of the joint and discs in the neck),' he warned.
The Star
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Hospital sets record with mass ECG screening at KL mall
A MEDICAL facility has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for having the most participants in an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in the country, with 827 individuals screened in 24 hours over three days in Kuala Lumpur. The feat was achieved by Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), which also spearheaded a national first by bringing ECG screenings into a public space, transforming Sunway Velocity Mall's Main Atrium into a heart health hub. The award reinforced the facility's position as a tertiary care hospital in cardiac care, with heart health being one of its core specialities and key areas of focus in delivering comprehensive medical services to the community, SMCV said in a media statement. The event was attended not just by Malaysians but also expatriates and international patients seeking care or visiting Kuala Lumpur. SMCV said the recognition reflected its ongoing commitment to reshaping public health access through impactful community-driven initiatives centred on early detection and prevention. The initiative was also part of SMCV's broader response to Malaysia's rising cardiovascular health crisis, with ischaemic heart disease being the leading cause of death among Malaysians aged 41 to 59. The screening was designed to empower individuals aged 18 years and above to take charge of their heart health. With participants receiving complimentary ECG assessments supported by SMCV's consultant cardiologists and internal medicine physicians, the event brought the first line of assessment for heart care directly to the community in an open, accessible way, SMCV said. Cheow: SMCV committed to making preventive care both accessible and meaningful. 'We are honoured to be recognised by Malaysia Book of Records for this milestone, but what truly inspires us is to see how the community has embraced the opportunity to take a proactive role in managing their heart health,' said SMCV chief executive officer Susan Cheow. 'Our mission goes beyond hospital walls – we want to meet people where they are and make preventive care both accessible and meaningful. 'Seeing many participate in this record-setting screening is a powerful testament that the public is ready to take charge of their heart health,' she said. The public's enthusiastic participation also highlighted the importance of bringing medical interventions into everyday community spaces, reflecting the public's growing awareness of cardiovascular risks and the need for more accessible screening options, SMCV continued in the statement. SMCV consultant cardiologist and internal medicine physician Datuk Dr Foo Yoke Loong said, 'The public ECG screening was about providing our fellow Malaysians an opportunity to gain life-saving insights into their cardiovascular health. Dr Foo: ECG screening provides Malaysians an opportunity to gain insights into their health. 'For many, it was their first step towards recognising early signs and understanding any potential risks. 'We were also able to provide medical guidance and advice on appropriate follow-up actions. 'We hope efforts like these will continue to raise awareness around the importance of earlier interventions and ultimately, better outcomes in the fight against cardiovascular disease,' he added. The event introduced another first-in-Malaysia initiative – the Immersive Visual Journey featuring an engaging captivating installation that turns real-time heartbeats into an artistic light display. It brought together art and awareness on heart rate as visitors witnessed the lights shift based on low, normal and high heart rates. The Heart Health Educational Gallery and Giant Heart Exhibit also allowed visitors to learn about the human heart anatomy and functions in an engaging and visually impactful way using a large, walk-through heart structure.
Barnama
29-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity Sets National Record For Largest ECG Screening Event
With participants receiving complimentary ECG assessments and consultations supported by SMCV's team of Consultant Cardiologists and Internal Medicine Physicians, the event brought the first line of assessment for heart care directly to the community in an open and accessible way - Credit: SMCV This recognition reflects Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV)'s ongoing commitment to reshaping public health access and a part of SMCV's broader response to Malaysia's rising cardiovascular health crisis, with ischaemic heart disease as the leading cause of death among Malaysians aged 41 to 59 - Credit: SMCV Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the Most Participants in an ECG Screening event in Malaysia, with 827 individuals screened within 24 hours in the span of three days during its 'Pulse of Life: The Ultimate Heart Health Experience' CSR initiative event - Credit: SMCV KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the Most Participants in an ECG Screening event in Malaysia, with 827 individuals screened over a three-day period during its 'Pulse of Life: The Ultimate Heart Health Experience' CSR initiative. This event and recognition reinforce SMCV's position as a leading tertiary care hospital in cardiac care, with heart health being one of its core specialties and key areas of focus in delivering comprehensive medical services to the community. SMCV also spearheaded a national first by bringing ECG screening into the public space, transforming Sunway Velocity Mall's Main Atrium into a heart health hub from April 25 to 27. The event drew an overwhelming response, welcoming not just Malaysians but also expatriates and international patients seeking care or visiting Kuala Lumpur. This dual milestone reflects SMCV's ongoing commitment to reshaping public health access through impactful community-driven initiatives centred on early detection and prevention. The initiative was also part of SMCV's broader response to Malaysia's rising cardiovascular health crisis, with ischaemic heart disease as the leading cause of death among Malaysians aged 41 to 59. SMCV Chief Executive Officer Susan Cheow said SMCV is honoured to be recognised by the MBOR for this milestone, but what truly inspires them is seeing how the community has embraced the opportunity to take a proactive role in managing their heart health. 'Our mission goes beyond the hospital walls. We want to meet people where they are and make preventive care both accessible and meaningful. 'Seeing many participate in this record-setting screening, alongside engaging initiatives and medical consultations, is a powerful testament that the public is ready to take charge of their heart health,' she said, adding that SMCV remain committed to creating more touchpoints like this to raise awareness and support better long-term health outcomes for the public.
