Women Hit Hardest by Tech Neck New Data Reveals - Teens & Kids Also at Risk

SYDNEY - Rezul -- According to the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), the spinal health of Australian women, teens and children are hit hardest by Tension Neck Syndrome, a debilitating condition commonly known as 'tech neck' or 'text neck' that develops from overuse or misuse of technology.

An independent national survey, 'The impact of tech neck and neck pain in Australia' by global research company Pureprofile, revealed women are the primary sufferers of neck pain in every age bracket except 51-60 with women aged 31-40 (73%) most impacted, reflecting a life-long, daily exposure to technology.

Dr Ali Young, Chair of the ACA Women in Chiropractic committee and mother of two said, "68% of women reported experiencing a higher prevalence of device-related neck pain than men across all device types including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops and game consoles for each length of timeframe used.

"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," she said.

"Women using laptops were 23% more likely than men to sit at non-ergonomic desks at work which was associated with a 16% higher incidence of neck pain than in women who used an ergonomic workspace.

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"Women were 31% more likely to slouch while using laptops with 86% of female 'slouchers' experiencing neck pain compared 75% of slouching men.

"Women were also 30% more likely to experience neck pain when using a tablet at work while seated at a desk without ergonomics while those seated on the floor at home reported a 79% higher prevalence of neck pain than men.

"Although 68% of women compared to 60% of men reported symptoms, most linked to poor posture, extended screen time, and non-ergonomic use; maintaining correct posture, ergonomics and taking regular movement breaks significantly reduced neck pain prevalence," she said.

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.

In a separate ACA Chiropractor survey, a worrying trend since COVID-19 is the surge in neck pain cases in children and teens making them vulnerable to spinal health issues and additional 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," said Dr Young.

"With 29% reporting a 'significant increase' and 25% found a 'moderate increase' in children experiencing tech neck, educating kids on healthy device use habits can help prevent long-term neck-related issues."

"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," Dr Young said.

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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.

"With over 80% of ACA Chiropractors surveyed reporting 50% or more neck pain patients said their mental health had suffered; 87% reported higher irritability, stress and poorer concentration; and an alarming 47% reported experiencing depression or anxiety because of neck pain, preventing tech neck is best.

"With almost 87% of Australians regular smartphone users, 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 Young 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) that 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.

With millions of Australians of all ages experiencing tech neck, when using technology take regular breaks, move and stretch, and use correct ergonomics.

Get the heads up on tech neck at www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.