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MALAYSIA’S prolonged screen time—averaging eight hours and 17 minutes daily—has contributed significantly to the rise in “text neck”, a repetitive strain injury increasingly common among young people and adults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country also ranks third in Southeast Asia for TikTok usage, with users reportedly watching an average of 121 videos per day.
Bernama cited Sunway Velocity Medical Centre (SMCV) highlighting the excessive use of digital devices, especially among the youth, as a primary factor in the growing incidence of the condition.
According to SMCV, the Ministry of Health reports that 67 per cent of Malaysians have experienced neck pain at some point in their lives, making it the second most common musculoskeletal complaint in the country. However, many dismiss the discomfort as temporary or stress-related.
“Weak workplace ergonomics exacerbate the issue, with many individuals required to work long hours at desks in non-conducive environments. Prolonged poor posture contributes to an increase in medical leave, reduced productivity, and declining workplace performance,” the centre stated.
Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma and Spine Surgeon at SMCV, Dr Chang Kok Chun, explained that text neck is caused by repetitive stress injury stemming from forward head posture during prolonged periods of looking down at screens.
“When someone develops text neck, the muscles and joints in their neck endure continuous strain due to poor posture. Over time, this can lead to muscle fatigue, joint discomfort, and, if left untreated, structural damage,” said Dr Chang.
He urged Malaysians not to ignore persistent discomfort, cautioning that ongoing strain could trigger protective muscle spasms and structural changes in the spine, which would be visible on X-rays as cervical spine straightening.
“If neglected, it can result in premature spinal degeneration, including disc thinning between vertebral segments, bone spur formation, and facet joint arthritis over time—commonly known as cervical spondylosis,” he added.
Dr Chang further warned that the condition, if not managed, may lead to irreversible spinal cord or nerve compression. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in the arms and hands, and in severe cases, may lead to weakness or paralysis of both upper and lower limbs—severely impacting mental health and overall quality of life.
Managing text neck, he said, typically requires a combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and in some instances, medication. Key interventions include reducing screen time, maintaining proper posture, and incorporating regular neck-relaxation exercises.
Despite awareness of the risks, Dr Chang acknowledged that poor habits are difficult to change due to heavy workloads that compel individuals to disregard proper neck and spine care. He encouraged everyone to adopt positive changes such as ergonomic work setups, proper posture, and routine neck relaxation exercises to protect spinal health.
Thomas Chua Wei Yeh, Physiotherapist and Manager of Rehabilitation Medical Services at SMCV, noted that one of the most common postural issues is forward head posture. He explained that tilting the head forward by 45 degrees increases pressure on the cervical spine from 5kg to 22kg.
“This adds more than 1,000 hours of spinal stress annually for digital device users and may lead to symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches, spinal nerve irritation causing numbness or tingling in the hands, and early degenerative arthritis of the neck,” he said.
Physiotherapy, including manual therapy, postural retraining, and targeted exercises, plays a crucial role in both recovery and prevention, Chua added.
“Most patients experience improvements within three to six sessions of physiotherapy, though those with more severe conditions may require extended treatment for lasting results,” he explained.
Treatment plans are tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and physical demands, focusing on limiting prolonged screen exposure, promoting posture-friendly habits, and optimising backpack usage to minimise unnecessary strain on the neck and back.
“Office workers must prioritise ergonomic workspaces and integrate mobility breaks like stretching routines to ease muscle fatigue and joint pressure. Progress is tracked through clinical assessments and patient feedback, including evaluation of spinal joint movement and muscle strength in key posture-supporting areas,” he said.
Chua also cautioned against certain movements that may aggravate symptoms during recovery, such as abdominal exercises, overhead lifting, or prolonged typing with a bent neck. While rest can temporarily ease pain, he stressed that movement, posture correction, and strengthening are essential for long-term recovery. - May 16, 2025
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