Chiropractors are seeing a rise in a new condition dubbed "Text Neck" as those who spend time regularly hunched over their phones risk permanent damage to their necks.
The problem is caused by repeatedly peering downwards to look at the screen below, which strains the neck muscles and puts stress on the joints. This can result in poor posture, shoulder and neck pain, as well as headaches.
Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association told the Daily Telegraph that doctors were seeing a rising number of patients with similar neck problems.
He explained: "When the head is over the shoulders it is a bit like a balanced see-saw, and when you move it forward you need to put a force in place to keep it in that position. The longer you are in that position for, the more the muscles have to accommodate it."
The strain can be alleviated by sitting up straight while texting, and holding up the phone or tablet higher than usual. Hutchful emphasised that women with slender necks in particular should be careful to keep a good posture while texting.