In 2008, Dr. Dean Fishman coined the term “text neck” to describe people who have changed the contours of their spine by slumping down to read their smartphones. It was not until recently, however, that I read about this medical disorder, ironically while slouched over my computer.
A recent study performed by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, a spine surgeon, found that when people bend their necks to look at their devices, it could add up to 60 pounds of pressure to their necks.
This is enough pressure to cause head, neck and back pain, as well as disc herniations and pinched nerves, according to experts.