Tech Neck- How technology is affecting your posture and may be contributing to your head and neck pain. With the rise in use of hand held devices such as smart phones and tablets over past decade, our Physiotherapy Clinic in Dee Why has noted an increase in postural related head and neck pain. A recent study conducted by The University of the Sunshine Coast has found an increase in ‘the development of prominent exostosis in young adults’ skulls… emanating from the external occipital protuberance (EOP). In non-medical language, a spiky growth of bone is being seen on the back of teens skulls some measuring 10–31 mm which has not usually been seen in this age group before. 
This study conducted by David Shahar & Mark G.L. Sayers, found that those with a larger EOP (spiky bone growth on back of skull) correlated to those with a high forward head protraction. Their ‘findings provide evidence that mechanical load plays a vital role…and may be linked to sustained postures associated with the emergence and extensive use of hand-held contemporary technologies, such as smartphones and tablets’ 
To visually see this, KK Hansrai assed the ‘stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head’. The increase in forward head angle lead to a huge increase in weight of strain on the head and neck. The last image (which looks like most people at the bus stop) has the head at 60degrees with the weight of strain load of 60 pounds (27kg) or the weight of a primary school child straining on your neck muscles. Many of the physiotherapy patients we treat in our Dee Why clinic is unaware of how poor their posture has become. Simple changes in your daily habits can dramatically affect your head and neck posture, these include:
- Holding your phone up to eye level
- If you use dual computer screens at work- make sure you evenly look at both screens, swap between screens every other day if not.
- Performing shoulder rolls every few hours when using technology to stretch out your upper back and neck muscles
- Avoid using your phone and lap top when lying in bed
If you are interested in knowing more about your own body’s posture and ways to can help maintain good alignment. Please don’t hesitate to chat to one of our Physiotherapist at our Dee why clinic (02) 9972 3304 Written By Rebecca Feros Senior Physiotherapist | Clinical Pilates Teacher Inspire Physiotherapy and Pilates Dee Why BAppSc (Ex&SpSc), MPhty, APAM