The ‘tech neck’ time bomb: why 43 million young Americans could cripple U.S. health care within a generation

A spine surgeon's warning highlights how smartphone overuse is causing severe spinal issues among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, potentially leading to a future healthcare crisis. This "tech neck" phenomenon involves forward head posture from prolonged screen time, which could result in long-term spinal deformities and chronic pain. If these trends continue, the U.S. healthcare system might face an overwhelming burden of treating a generation with preventable, technology-induced spinal problems. The implications extend beyond individual health, suggesting a broader societal impact on healthcare costs and resource allocation.