TAIPEI (TVBS News) — For many office workers in Taiwan, a "tech neck" has become a prevalent issue due to prolonged computer use and excessive smartphone usage during their free time.
This chronic pain in the neck can worsen if left unaddressed and may even lead to permanent spine damage.
Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital Physician Dr. Lin Yu-ting advised seeking medical attention if one should experience chronic pain in the shoulders or neck.
"After consultation, physical examination, and imaging, a comprehensive diagnosis will be provided," he said.
According to medical experts, our cervical spine typically carries an average weight of 6 kilograms. However, when we lower our heads to use our phones, the weight on the spine can increase significantly.
Just a 7.5-centimeter forward tilt can triple the weight to around 19 kilograms. In leaning 15 degrees forward, 5 to 7 kilograms of burden is added to our necks.
Maintaining such postures for extended periods strains the cervical spine excessively, leading to "tech neck" pains.
"If the cervical spine is injured, the entire spine, including our thoracic and lumbar spine, may become crooked," Landseed International Clinic Dr. Lin Son-kai warned.
"This can lead to an imbalance in the attached sympathetic nervous system and various symptoms throughout the body."
In severe cases, herniation of the intervertebral disc may require surgery for correction.
To prevent this point, doctors emphasize proactive measures like undergoing physical therapy when discomfort arises and, most importantly, maintaining good posture and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
