PALM BEACH GARDENS (CBS12) -- It's a problem tailor made for the 21st century. It's called "text neck" and it's wreaking havoc on the spines of the young and old across South Florida.
CBS 12 is investigating and found out it's a risk for 58% of American adults who spend time hunched over their smartphone or tablet.
"Not only does it affect the neck, it pulls the spine out of balance, your lower back out of balance and your pelvis out of balance," said Dr. Charles Theofilos.
Dr. Theofilos with the Spine Center in Palm Beach Gardens tells CBS12 he's seeing a dramatic uptick in patients with "text neck" related issues, some seemingly oblivious to their electronic usage contributing to the problem.
"They're on the smartphones, you walk into the patient's room and they're on the phone just like that. They have back pain and you know why."
The longtime Palm Beach County doctor says now his list o f patients is growing younger and younger. Many are just in their early to mid-20's, most all admitting to spending several hours a day hunched over a computer or cell phone.
"A ten to twelve pound head will actually weigh and act like 60 pounds when tilted at 60 degrees."
It's a disturbing trend for parents, like Robin Madden, whose 10 year old daughter spends time every day on her very own smartphone.
"It is eye opening I would say because these aren't problems we dealt with growing up. It's very different now," said Robin Madden.
Doctors say the best way to prevent the problem is to take breaks away from your smartphone and practice good posture on a daily basis.
"Text neck" problems becoming serious issue for South Florida residents
Source: Text neck" problems becoming serious issue for South Florida residents
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