In the 20th century we had housemaid’s knee and miner’s cough — or, if you were from a different social stratum, tennis elbow. Now it seems there is a new work affliction for a new age, and it troubles all classes equally.
It is born of a peculiarly modern habit: walking along the street, head down, checking messages. It goes by the name of text neck.
Spinal surgeons say they are increasingly concerned that smartphones are causing a crisis in posture, especially in teenagers, the effects of which will be seen long after they have forgotten quite why it was so important to check WhatsApp.
“The neck is a wonderful thing, and it can have a full range of motion — but if you keep