In everyday life, the normal neck bone of the human body maintains a C-shape and stably supports the weight of the head.
As the head is bent forward, the load on the head that the neck bears increases, and when the head is tilted forward, the muscles or ligaments near the neck become tense to withstand the load. If this posture is accumulated, turtle neck syndrome (straight neck) can occur, where the curve of the neck, which is a C-shaped shape, is gradually deformed in a straight line.
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients diagnosed with turtle neck syndrome increased every year from 2,056,633 in 2017 to 2,387,401 in 2021.
The reason for this is that modern people use laptops or computers a lot and often use smartphones, and it occurs regardless of age or gender.
In particular, focusing on the use of smartphones maintains a bent neck and waist for a long time, and when playing games or watching long videos, the longer the smartphone is used, the more burden on the neck to withstand the load of the head increases.
I asked Min Seul-ki, director of Yonsei University Hospital (orthopedic surgeon), if turtle neck syndrome was related to neck disc. Director Min said, "When it comes to neck disc, we can't leave out the story of turtle neck syndrome, but it can't be said that turtle neck necessarily causes neck disc. However, poor lifestyle habits can lead to degenerative changes quickly, and the pressure on the neck's intervertebral disc increases as the neck comes forward, which can eventually lead to cervical intervertebral disc.
If you have turtle neck syndrome, when you stand from the side and look at it from the side, you will see not only changes in the appearance of your head protruding forward or your back bent, but also symptoms of stiffness and stiffness around your back neck and shoulders as if you have a stiff neck and a stiff neck.
If this tension is prolonged, fatigue can easily be felt, headaches can easily occur, and pain and numbness in the arms from the neck to the shoulders and arms can occur.
Turtle neck syndrome is caused by poor lifestyle habits or long-term bent posture, so it is recommended to maintain the right posture and avoid a posture that puts pressure on the neck.
It is important to avoid looking down for a long time when using a smartphone and to create a work environment where office workers who frequently use laptops or PCs sit with their monitors at eye level and their backs upright.
If turtle neck syndrome has already led to chronic pain due to prolonged period, and it is difficult to improve the pain just by correcting lifestyle, you should visit a hospital and receive active treatment to not raise the disease.
Writer: Grace Jun
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