Latest news with #neckpain
Associated Press
25-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
New National Survey Reveals Tech Neck a Growing Public Health Concern
Get the heads up on tech neck! – National Spinal Health Week 26 May-1 June 'Women consistently reported higher neck pain rates for all devices and settings (home and workplace) and were significantly more affected by chronic pain, mental health impacts, and productivity loss.'— Dr Billy Chow SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, May 25, 2025 / / -- Today, to launch Spinal Health Week, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), released new data revealing 'tech neck' (Tension Neck Syndrome), is a significant public health concern due to overuse or misuse of technology with Australian women most susceptible to the debilitating condition. An independent survey by Pureprofile, 'The impact of tech neck and neck pain in Australia' revealed misuse of technology does more than cause neck pain; it's impacting every aspect of our daily lives. 'The survey revealed women are the primary sufferers of neck pain in every age bracket, except 51-60, with women aged 31-40 (73%) the most affected, reflecting a life-long, daily exposure to tech,' said ACA President Dr Billy Chow. 'Women consistently reported higher neck pain rates across all devices and settings (home and workplace), and were significantly more affected by chronic pain, mental health impacts, and productivity loss,' he said. The survey found female laptop users were 23% more likely than men to use non-ergonomic desks at work which was associated with a 16% higher incidence of neck pain than women using ergonomic workspaces. Overall, 64% of respondents reported neck pain with 70% of sufferers reporting that neck pain impeded their movement or day-to-day activities, which is higher than previous statistics of 1-in-5. 'Neck pain is a widespread, increasingly gendered issue in Australia, with 68% of women and 60% of men reporting symptoms, most linked to poor posture, extended screen time, and non-ergonomic device use. 'With only 36% of neck pain sufferers being aware their neck pain was linked to device use, to help prevent tech neck we must adjust our thinking on how we use technology, how often and the way we use it,' said Dr Chow. 'It was concerning that 38% of neck pain sufferers did not consult a healthcare practitioner; with 78% using over-the-counter pain relief and 47% relying on prescription medication to manage neck pain.' While medications may offer temporary relief from neck pain, academic studies show opioids do not benefit people with acute neck or back pain; comparatively, studies demonstrate commencing treatment for tech neck promptly is crucial in preventing further functional decline and progression to a chronic condition. Australians reported their mental health, and productivity was impacted with 24% experiencing higher irritability, 20% poorer concentration and 23% disrupted sleep with women 43% more effected by productivity loss than men. The survey revealed that proper posture, regular breaks, and correct ergonomics significantly reduced neck pain prevalence. Smartphone users who took regular breaks reported 33% less neck pain, while 85% of women device users who never took breaks experienced neck pain; compared to 61% of women who did. A worrying trend observed since COVID-19 is the surge in children and teens experiencing neck pain, making them vulnerable to spinal health issues and further health implications now and in the future. 'ACA Chiropractors reported a sharp rise in tech neck among young people with 34% reporting a 'significant increase (+25%)' and 27% a 'moderate increase (11-24%)' in teens. It's vital we educate kids on healthy device habits to prevent long-term neck-related health issues,' said Dr Chow. 'With technology a vital part of our lives, not only must we monitor the length of time we use devices but must be cognisant that overuse and how we use devices can negatively impact our spinal and mental health. 'The ACA recommends limiting recreational screentime to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to prevent bending the neck forward, changing posture and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck from side-to-side,' Dr Chow said. Incorrect and non-ergonomic computer use is also a primary cause of tech neck. With 75.5% of Australians aged 16-to-64 using computers daily, incorrect and non-ergonomic use can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 'MSDs, including tech neck, cost our economy over $55 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life, making the burden on Australians and our economy significant. 'Anytime you use a laptop or desktop computer it's essential to take regular breaks, move and stretch, and use correct ergonomics to help prevent tech neck,' he said Get the heads up on tech neck, visit Media Centre Alice Collins Insight Communications email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The REAL reason for your stiff neck - and the simple cure that should help (and what you must not do): DR MARTN SCURR
My neck has been very stiff and painful for three years. Every aspect of my life is affected, including my sleep and mental health. I've had physio, seen an osteopath and tried hydrotherapy, but nothing has helped. What else can I try? Andy Poole, by email.
Al Bawaba
18-05-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Japanese man gets 'dropped head syndrome' after using his phone too much
ALBAWABA - A 25-year-old Japanese man recently made headlines after being diagnosed with terrifying symptoms, described by doctors as the "dropped head syndrome," for using his phone excessively, leaving him with a bent neck. First shared by JOS Case Reports, the photos revealed and warned people that using a phone while the user's head is bent down for prolonged periods of time can result in "dropped head syndrome." X-rays of the 25-year-old Japanese man who developed a bulge extruding from his neck revealed his deformed spine. According to The Daily Mail, the man shared experiencing neck pains and difficulty swallowing food before being diagnosed with the condition. The doctors reported that the 25-year-old was an active child, but everything changed during his teenage years due to being targeted in a "serious bullying" incident by schoolmates. (JOS Case Reports) This prompted the man to drop out of school, shut himself inside his room, and play hours of video games with his neck bent, which eventually developed into dropped head syndrome. After a series of scans and multiple failed attempts at getting his neck straight again using collars, the doctors were forced to surgically operate on the man after he developed a distorted vertebra and scar tissue. The patient could only lift his head six months after undergoing several surgical procedures in his neck. Additionally, doctors issued a warning to individuals about excessive phone usage and targeted the youth as their main concern.
Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Three ways to ease neck pain
According to Nice (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), up to 70 per cent of us will experience neck pain at some time in our lives, with prevalence peaking during middle age. Poor posture — while looking at your phone or laptop, for example — and anxiety are often underlying causes of neck tension and gentle daily stretches can help. 'Make sure you perform any neck stretches slowly and smoothly,' says the osteopath James Davies, author of Body. 'If they cause pain or make the muscle tension worse, you need to stop immediately and seek medical advice.' Davies suggests using a tennis ball to massage your neck muscles. Place the ball between the back of your neck and the wall. 'Position the ball
