Spine surgeon warns youth device posture may strain health care

Spine surgeon Michael Gerling is warning that heavy device use among children and teenagers could help create a costly wave of neck and back disorders within about 20 years. Gerling, of the Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute in New York, says the issue could put new pressure on U.S. health care costs if even part of today’s youth population develops significant spine problems in middle age.

In a Fortune commentary, Gerling focused on nearly 43 million Americans he identified as Gen Alpha children ages 10 to 12 and Gen Z teenagers ages 12 to 18. He argued that many of those young people are spending long periods hunched over smartphones, laptops and computers, a posture pattern often described as “tech neck.”

Gerling described tech neck as neck pain, severe stiffness, discomfort and spinal curvature linked to extensive device use. He said the problem is visible in common social settings, where young people often sit with heads lowered, shoulders rounded and hands active on phones.

Researchers cited by Gerling have suggested that 63% of adolescents show signs of “smartphone addiction,” including a need for constant connection to social media. Gerling tied that behavior to concern about repeated posture strain, though his piece framed the broader health care consequences as a warning about what may happen over the next generation.

Costs and productivity concerns

Gerling cited epidemiology studies showing that 73% of university students and 64.7% of people working from home report neck or back pain. He also said nearly 40% of those affected report lower productivity because of neck or low back pain.

The financial concern, Gerling wrote, is that a sizable increase in spine-related problems would require more rehabilitation services, possible hospital care and long-term treatment. He said private and public insurers could face more claims, with potential effects on premiums or benefits.

Gerling also pointed to inpatient rehabilitation costs that he said range from $19,360 to $443,040 per patient. He said those figures do not include indirect costs such as lost wages.

School-based prevention proposal

Gerling argued that prevention should begin in schools through health programs reviewed by medical professionals and backed by parent organizations. He compared the idea to school programs that aim to reduce football injuries by teaching athletes about heat stroke, concussions and safer tackling.

Under his proposal, schools would add spinal health education to physical education or health classes. The curriculum could teach students to take breaks during study or online entertainment, hold phones and laptops in positions that support better posture, improve sleep positioning and strengthen postural muscles through targeted exercises.

Gerling also suggested behavioral prompts and environmental changes, including encouraging students to check posture when checking a phone and using stands that raise smartphones closer to eye level. He said similar guidance could help adults outside school, including office workers, professional gamers and journalists.

Gerling warned that failing to act could leave the medical system facing a large burden from spine problems within two decades. He wrote that prevention is available now through posture habits, school education and basic ergonomic changes.

This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.