Is "Geobukmok" Caused by COVID-19? ... Prolonged Remote Work and Poor Posture Leading to Cervical Spine Deformity

Turtle Neck Syndrome Should Be Treated by Improving Lifestyle Habits Such as Posture Correction

Posture that causes turtle neck syndrome. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] The COVID-19 era has forced a 'contactless' lifestyle, leading to a rapid increase in the use of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablet PCs.

In almost every field including social activities, economy, culture, medical care, and education, life has become impossible without going online.

Although many tasks can be accomplished with just a smartphone, there are significant negative physical effects. It also adversely affects the cervical spine (neck bones), which maintains the balance of our body.

The cervical spine should have a gentle forward curve like the letter C, but poor posture can cause it to deform into a straight line or a reversed C shape, a condition known as "Geobukmok Syndrome" (Forward Head Posture Syndrome). It is called Geobukmok Syndrome because, when viewed externally, the center of the neck protrudes forward like a turtle’s neck, and it is also referred to as "Iljamok" (Straight Neck).

Recently, with the advancement of IT technology and the widespread use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, many people have been diagnosed with Geobukmok Syndrome due to prolonged use of these devices.

According to the National Health Insurance Service’s National Interest Disease Statistics, the number of patients treated for Geobukmok Syndrome increased by about 47% from approximately 190 million cases in 2017 to about 280 million cases in 2020. The number of patients nearly doubled in just three years, and 2020 was the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea.

Initially, even if one maintains correct posture while using monitors or smartphones, the head gradually tilts downward after prolonged use. The neck naturally protrudes or elongates, and if this posture persists for a long time, it weakens the muscles around the neck and shoulders and causes the bones to stiffen, resulting in Geobukmok symptoms.

Every 1 cm the neck moves forward increases the load on the cervical spine by 2 to 3 kg. This causes excessive tension in the cervical spine and shoulder muscles, leading to stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders, and can trigger occipital headaches.

In people with Geobukmok Syndrome, the neck can bear a load of up to 15 kg, which increases the pressure on the intervertebral discs, commonly called herniated discs, potentially causing damage. Arthritis of the cervical spine can also worsen.

Diagnosis is made by checking the condition of the cervical spine through X-ray imaging. In the early stages, improvement can be achieved through posture correction and lifestyle changes, but if symptoms worsen, specialized rehabilitation treatments may be necessary.

Dr. Junyoung Ahn, Head of the Spine Center at Daedong Hospital (Neurosurgery Specialist), said, “In the past, Geobukmok Syndrome occurred mainly in older adults, those with weak muscles, or due to occupational factors, but recently it occurs regardless of age or gender. If the neck bends and deforms, it can lead not only to Geobukmok Syndrome but also to various diseases such as cervical disc herniation or spinal deformities. Therefore, it is important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment when symptoms appear.”

Specialists advise that to prevent Geobukmok Syndrome in daily life, one should be cautious of moments when the head unconsciously leans forward during PC use, smartphone use, reading, or driving.

It is important not just to lift the head but to naturally straighten the shoulders and back, correct the alignment of the lower cervical spine, and adjust the smartphone or monitor to eye level. If prolonged use of PCs or smartphones is unavoidable, it is recommended to perform extension exercises and stretching, such as tilting the neck backward every 20 to 30 minutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which forces a contactless lifestyle relying more on electronic devices, is making life difficult for humanity in many ways.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.