Is Tech Neck A Growing Hazard among the Young?

Abstract

Background: Tech neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage caused by looking down toooften and for too long on the mobile phone, tablets or other digital devices. Digital devices can position thehead in different uncomfortable postures This study aim to determine the influence of duration of usage ofdigital devices on cervical range of motion and the craniovertebral angle.Material & Method: This prospective study included 88 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 whohave been using digital devices from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) for six months or more werechosen using a convenience sampling method after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and consentfrom the participants. Participants were divided into four categories according to the duration of usage ofdigital devices i.e less than 1 hour a day, 1-2 hours a day, 2-4 hours a day and more than 4 hours a day. Eachgroup will be composed of 22 participants. By lateral photography method they were tested for cervicalrange of motion using goniometer and craniovertebral angle.Results: There is a significant decrease in cervical flexion among groups but there is no significant differencebetween groups in cervical extension and craniovertebral angle.Conclusion: The present study suggests that repeated use of digital devices may have an effect on raisingneck flexion ability. Tech neck may thus be an increasing danger among the young