Doctors warn ‘tech neck’ is hitting younger Malaysians

SHAH ALAM – NECK pain and posture-related problems are no longer conditions associated mainly with ageing, as doctors report seeing increasing numbers of young adults seeking treatment for ailments linked to prolonged screen use and sedentary lifestyles.

Medical experts say office workers, university students and even teenagers are now presenting with symptoms traditionally seen in older patients, driven by hours spent hunched over phones, laptops and tablets.

Avisena Specialist Hospital Shah Alam orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Dr Ahmad Zubair Anis Ahmad said the demographic shift had become increasingly noticeable over the past decade. - Photo Courtesy of Avisena Specialist Hospital

Avisena Specialist Hospital Shah Alam orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Dr Ahmad Zubair Anis Ahmad said the demographic shift had become increasingly noticeable over the past decade.

“One of the biggest changes I have observed over the years is the age profile of patients seeking treatment for neck and back problems.

“It is no longer uncommon for someone in their twenties or early thirties to present with symptoms that we traditionally associated with older adults,” he said.

According to Dr Zubair, technology itself is not the problem.

Instead, prolonged use without adequate movement, poor workstation setups and unhealthy postural habits are placing excessive strain on the neck and upper back.

“The body can tolerate many things, but it does not respond well to staying in the same position for hours on end.

“What we are seeing is not necessarily structural damage in every case, but a growing number of people experiencing muscle fatigue, postural strain and recurring pain that can eventually affect their work performance, sleep quality and daily activities,” he said.

Columbia Asia Hospital Petaling Jaya consultant sports physician Dr Mohd Aizuddin Sahak described “tech neck” as excessive strain placed on the cervical spine when the head remains tilted forward for prolonged periods. - Photo Courtesy of Columbia Asia

Meanwhile, Columbia Asia Hospital Petaling Jaya consultant sports physician Dr Mohd Aizuddin Sahak described “tech neck” as excessive strain placed on the cervical spine when the head remains tilted forward for prolonged periods.

While the human head weighs roughly four to six kilogrammes in a neutral position, he said the effective load on the neck increases substantially as the head tilts forward.

Over time, this may contribute to muscle fatigue, ligament strain, joint irritation and degenerative changes.

Dr Aizuddin said common complaints now seen among adolescents and young adults include neck pain, upper back discomfort, shoulder stiffness, cervicogenic headaches and reduced mobility, often despite imaging showing no major structural abnormalities.

The sports physician attributed the trend to prolonged static postures, reduced movement throughout the day and declining levels of physical activity.

“Historically, young adults accumulated more incidental movement throughout the day.

“Today many individuals may spend their time working at a computer, commuting, using smartphones, watching television and gaming, resulting in fewer opportunities for the spine, hips and shoulders to move through their full range of motion,” he said.

However, Dr Aizuddin noted that patients who remained physically active, engaged in resistance training and regularly interrupted long periods of sitting generally experienced far fewer posture-related symptoms, even when using technology extensively.

Both specialists stressed that preventing posture-related problems requires a combination of regular movement, stretching, strengthening exercises and proper ergonomics rather than relying on a single solution.