Excessive usage of mobile, laptop, computer leads to a hunchback

Doctors have warned that excessive use of mobiles for texting, e-mailing, choosing a song on the iPod could lead to a hunchback, as it requires constantly looking down.

Despite make communication easier, the new technology has exposed us to a gamut of upper back-related problems, especially the neck area.

“If you’re constantly looking down, you develop a forward curvature that rounds the whole spine,” the Daily Mail quoted Kirsten Lord, managing director of the Edinburgh Physiotherapy Centre and a chartered physiotherapist as saying.

“Your shoulders come forward and become more rounded, and standing upright and lengthening the neck may feel abnormal because the muscles you need to use have become shortened through lack of use,” she explained.

It has long been recognised that over reliance on computers is affecting body postures.

“Sitting in front of a computer screen also tightens up the middle of the back, which means less flexibility and more danger of strain. Moreover, as the ribs also attach to the spine, stiffness in this area makes it harder to take deep breaths,” Kirsten added.

Another potential danger to the posture comes from looking down at a laptop for long hours. It is worse if it is used without a stand while slouched on the sofa.