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2024-07-28 14:17:42

A 26-Year-Old Woman Diagnosed with “Turtle Neck” Condition, Her Spine Resembles That of an Elderly Person; Doctors Cite Common Behaviors as the Cause

The website docnhanh reports that Bui Tu Tuy, a 26-year-old woman from Hanoi, Vietnam, who works in online sales, often has to hold her computer and phone. Tuy experiences significant neck and shoulder pain. Whenever she has pain, she usually goes to a massage parlor to relax and get her neck and shoulders massaged, which makes her feel better after each session.

Recently, Tuy felt increasing pain in her neck that extended to both sides of her neck, shoulder blades, and even numbness in her arms. Tuy decided to see a doctor and was diagnosed with turtle neck syndrome and cervical spine degeneration due to her habit of holding her phone and computer all day long.

However, not long ago, Tuy began feeling more intense neck pain that radiated to the back of her head, shoulders, and arms, eventually leading to numbness throughout her arms. She decided to consult a physician, and the examination revealed that she has turtle neck syndrome along with cervical spine degeneration, caused by prolonged use of her phone and computer.

“I was so busy with work that I forgot to take care of my health. My bones and joints are deteriorating like an old person. Now I have no choice but to go through physical therapy to get better,” Tuy stated.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, head of the Rehabilitation Department at Duc Sang Hospital, mentioned that recently, the department has treated several young individuals with turtle neck syndrome, even cases of cervical spine degeneration despite their young age.

In particular, turtle neck syndrome, or the loss of the natural curvature of the neck, causes prominent symptoms such as a mass appearing on the back of the neck, a tilted neck, and a hunched back, which leads to thicker shoulders.

Moreover, there are symptoms such as neck pain radiating to the back of the head, shoulders, and potentially down to both arms, significantly impacting daily life.

Turtle neck syndrome is related to frequent mobile phone use. Recently, a study by the Department of Rehabilitation Engineering at Hong Bang University highlighted issues concerning turtle neck syndrome in young people due to excessive mobile phone use.

“The study analyzed various factors related to turtle neck syndrome by surveying 425 students in Ho Chi Minh City who use mobile phones. The results indicated that 46.6% of the respondents experienced turtle neck syndrome, and 69.2% had abnormal head tilting. The main cause of turtle neck syndrome identified by the researchers is prolonged phone use and tilting the head at excessively low angles.”

Preventing Turtle Neck Syndrome

Dr. Minh stated that turtle neck syndrome can be treated through physical therapy to restore body function. Physicians may also recommend wearing a brace to help gradually adjust. For some patients, treatment may take about 2-3 months.

To prevent turtle neck syndrome and spinal degeneration from a young age, Dr. Minh advises that from school age, students should maintain proper posture when sitting and limit mobile phone use at all times. Young people should use their phones in moderation and engage in exercises to strengthen spinal health, such as yoga.

Observing Your Sitting Posture

• Keep your neck straight, aligning it with your spine.
• Relax your shoulders and position your arms horizontally perpendicular to your elbows, with your wrists aligned with your arms.
• Maintain a straight back, keeping your feet flat on the ground.
• If the chair is too high, use a lower chair or a box to support your feet in the most comfortable position.
• Avoid crossing your legs as this can increase pressure under your knees and potentially lead to nerve paralysis.
• Avoid bending your back or tilting your neck to look at the screen.
• After working for 1-2 hours, you should stand up and walk around, moving gently to relax your muscles.

The Rise of Cervical Spine Disorders: Embracing Ergonomics in a Digital Age

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, incidents of cervical spine disorders, such as “text neck” or cervical spondylosis, are on the rise among younger populations. A recent case involving a 26-year-old Vietnamese woman diagnosed with these conditions underlines a growing health trend linked primarily to prolonged use of mobile devices and computers.

With the number of smartphone users growing exponentially, a prominent concern is how this lifestyle impacts physical health. Recent studies indicate that 46.6% of young adults are experiencing symptoms associated with poor neck posture, largely attributed to excessive phone use. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in ergonomic practices across all age groups.

Future Trends in Ergonomics and Health

As society continues to adapt to technology’s demands, we can expect several trends to emerge in the realm of ergonomics and health:

• Increased Ergonomic Awareness: Educational institutions will likely prioritize teaching proper posture and ergonomics, ensuring that students are equipped with knowledge to prevent physical ailments.
• Telehealth and Physiotherapy: The rise of telehealth services will provide easy access to physiotherapy consultations, making it simpler for individuals to address emerging health issues early on.
• Smart Devices and Wearables: The development of smart devices that remind users to adjust their posture, take regular breaks, or even exercise may become commonplace as people become more conscious of their health.
• Workplace Strategies: Companies may adopt flexible working conditions with ergonomic workstations, promoting a culture that prioritizes employee well-being and longevity.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

There will likely be a surge in initiatives aimed at improving the wellness of individuals, including:

• Community Fitness Programs: Local governments and organizations could facilitate free workshops on yoga and physical fitness aimed at improving neck and spine health.
• Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns focused on the dangers of poor posture and excessive phone usage will become integral in promoting healthier lifestyles.
• Technology Break Protocols: Educational institutions and workplaces may implement structured breaks from technology to help mitigate the physical impact of prolonged device use.