Modern technology has taken a heavy toll on Australian’s spine health, new research has found. Data, to be released by the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia during National Chiropractic Care Week (May 23 to 29), show Australians’ postures are aging at an increased rate due to mobile devices.

“When it comes to spinal health, our younger people are getting older much earlier,” said CAA National President, Dr Simon Floreani (Chiropractor).

Australia’s spine health experts will be using the week to draw attention to the growing posture problems associated with the latest ‘must-have’ electronic devices from the mobile phone and laptop to the iPad and Kindle.

Confirming a societal trend towards greater frequency and increased usage of gadgets, the research highlighted that nearly 50 per cent of Australians are using their laptop more than they were five years ago, while one third has increased their use of PC/desktops and texting on mobile phones.

The research also highlights that as a nation, Australia is more mobile and connected through technology but less active physically. The end result is a growing trend amongst younger people presenting with posture problems that were previously the domain of the middle-aged office worker.