Dr. Shady Abdel Ghaffar, orthopedic surgery consultant, stresses the importance of preventing bad posture among children and adolescents, warning that keeping the neck bent forward for long periods can lead to chronic pain and long-term health risks.
What Is “Text Neck Syndrome”?
Often described as a “modern-day disease,” text neck is caused by excessive use of handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets, which force the head and neck to bend forward. This posture places heavy stress on the cervical spine, leading to:
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Neck and shoulder pain
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Muscle fatigue
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Stiffness of the neck
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Headaches
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Long-term risks such as early degeneration of spinal discs
In advanced cases, text neck can cause muscle strain, nerve compression, and even premature disc wear.
Common Symptoms in Children
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Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
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Recurrent or constant headaches
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Tingling or numbness in the arms due to nerve pressure
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Muscle spasms in the neck
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A habitual forward-bent neck posture
Why Does It Happen?
Children, teens, and even adults spend hours daily checking emails, browsing social media, gaming, or reading online. Maintaining this unnatural head tilt for long durations dramatically increases stress on the spine.
For example:
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A normal adult head weighs 4–6 kg.
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At a 15° tilt, the neck bears about 13 kg of pressure.
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At a 60° tilt—the typical posture when looking at a smartphone—the neck endures up to 27 kg, the equivalent of carrying a 7-year-old child on your neck!
Prolonged posture like this can cause:
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Forward-rounded shoulders
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Weakened neck muscles
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Tightened chest muscles
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Spinal disc damage
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In severe cases, kyphosis (abnormal spinal curvature).
Prevention and Treatment
To combat text neck, experts recommend:
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Limit screen time: Encourage children to reduce device use.
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Correct posture: Keep screens at eye level to minimize neck tilt.
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Exercise: Stretching and strengthening exercises for neck and back muscles are essential.
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Medical advice: Persistent pain, especially when accompanied by fever, severe headache, or stiffness, requires prompt medical consultation.
Sports tip: Swimming, particularly the front crawl, is recommended over breaststroke to avoid excessive spinal extension.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is considered only in severe cases where spinal curvature exceeds 40°. Doctors recommend postponing surgery until after puberty to avoid affecting spinal growth.
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Bracing may be used in mild cases to slow progression, though it does not cure the deformity.
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Surgical options: Open surgery or minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are available, both with safety rates above 99%.
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Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within weeks.
📱 The key message: While smartphones and tablets are integral to daily life, awareness, posture correction, and healthy habits can protect children and adults alike from the long-term dangers of text neck.
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