Kuala lumpur: Neck pain or stiffness and watery or tired eyes are often dismissed as minor discomforts but experts warn they may be early symptoms of ‘text neck’. A condition caused by prolonged downward tilting of the head while looking at smartphone or computer screens, text neck is a modern-day digital-age illness that is increasingly on the rise in this country. Students and white-collar workers who spend long hours in front of their smartphones and computers are particularly susceptible to the condition, which could eventually lead to spinal injuries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, when a person tilts their head forward at a 40-degree angle, the pressure on the spine can increase sixfold to about 12 kilogrammes, compared to the average head weight of two kilogrammes. This constant strain affects the muscles, ligaments and spinal discs. Countries such as the United States, South Korea and Singapore have classified text neck syndrome as a form of ‘modern health epidemic’. However, in Malaysia, awareness of the condition remains low and there is no comprehensive official data.
Ergonomics expert at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Raemy Md Zein highlighted that muscle tension, numbness, and neck and spinal pain are among the most common complaints from white-collar workers. Despite the increasing number of cases, Raemy said Malaysia is still not adequately prepared to address the issue, including in terms of officially recognising text neck as an occupational disease.
Raemy explained that without official recognition, thousands of digital and gig economy workers suffering from the condition are not able to receive proper protection. NIOSH is currently drafting several proposals to be submitted to the relevant authorities to expand the scope of occupational diseases under the Social Security Act. Aware that the official recognition of digital work-linked musculoskeletal disorders may take time, Raemy said early prevention is critical to managing the risks before they turn into serious health problems.
Clinically, experts have observed a rising trend of young patients experiencing text neck symptoms. Orthopaedic consultant Dr Manmohan Singh noted that he is now treating more young patients for this condition than before, with this trend emerging over the past decade. According to Dr Manmohan, this phenomenon poses a major challenge to the healthcare system, which is not yet fully prepared to deal with the long-term impacts of digital lifestyles.
Dr Manmohan also stressed the importance of employers taking responsibility for their workers’ postural health by providing ergonomic workspace setups. Citing data from the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive, he said during the 2023/24 period, the country lost 33 million working days, with 7.8 million due to issues like neck and back pain. He encouraged organisations to invest in adjustable desks and spine-supportive chairs, and to ensure computer screens are positioned at eye level.