Health expert reveals the ‘old-lady issue’ now hitting young Aussies in their 20s and 30s

A horrifying condition usually seen in elderly people is now hitting Aussies in their 20s and 30s, with an expert revealing the chilling cause.

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If you think your social media game is on point, I’ve got a spine-tingling wake-up call for you.

Your addiction to scrolling and screen time is fast-tracking you to develop that little old lady hump in your 30s – also known as the dowager’s hump.

No Instagram filter can straighten that out. Not so glamorous now, huh? Trust me, I’m seeing more of these cases every day in my Sydney chiropractic practice, and these folks are only in their 30s.

Consider this your wake-up call.

If you had told me a decade ago I’d be cracking backs on social media with videos that rack up more than 50 million views, I would’ve laughed in your face.

But as viewers worldwide tune in, I’ve noticed a troubling trend in my clinic – young adults in their 20s and 30s showing up with serious posture problems. And guess what’s to blame? It’s our tech obsession, slowly morphing spines into modern-day hunchbacks.

Dr Cody Hanish has some advice in avoiding ‘tech neck’. Picture: Supplied

Tech neck is real – and it’s coming for you

You’ve probably experienced “tech neck” – the stiffness, pain and weird posture you get from staring at your phone all day. But here’s the problem: it’s not just about discomfort. It’s actually leading to something far worse: the Dowager’s Hump.

That’s right – that dreaded hunchback you associate with elderly people is now showing up in your generation. In my clinic, I’m treating more and more young people who are developing the early stages of this spine deformity.

Tech neck has become a very real, very immediate problem. According to the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, prolonged smartphone use leads to forward head posture, which is a big precursor to spinal issues down the road.

And let’s be honest, how many of you are staring down at your phone for hours every day? Five? 10? More? Yeah, that adds up, and those hours are stacking up on your back in ways you don’t want to see.

Dr Hanish says many are developing a Dowager's Hump. Picture: Supplied

Social media use is the culprit. Picture: iStock

It’s not just about looks – it’s about your health

We all care about looking good on Instagram, but the real damage here isn’t just about how you look in selfies – though, trust me, the Dowager’s Hump isn’t exactly flattering.

The problem is your health. Poor posture from excessive screen time can lead to some seriously painful – and even dangerous – conditions:

• Chronic neck and back pain: You’re not “getting old”, your bad posture is just catching up to you.

• Headaches and migraines: All that tension? It’s not just in your neck – it’s in your head too.

• Reduced lung capacity: Yup, you read that correctly: bad posture crushes your lungs and can make it harder to breathe.

• Early spinal degeneration: Let’s be honest, you’re way too young for that.

• Digestive issues: You risk compression of your organs because of poor posture.

Once that hump settles in, it’s very difficult to reverse. So, if you’re hoping to look cute and feel pain-free while you’re still in your 20s, you better start taking action now.

As someone who’s built a massive social media following, I have a platform and an audience that listens to what I put out there, so here’s a message you shouldn’t ignore: your posture is suffering.

You might be scrolling through TikTok right now, but please don’t let that mindless scrolling lead to a hunchback sooner rather than later. You might be the most image-conscious generation in history, and I’m here to make sure you don’t end up hunched over by the time you hit 30.

This isn’t just about vanity – it’s about your health, and it’s about time we have a real conversation.

Make sure your work set up is ergonomic.

Start now, thank me later: What can you do to avoid the Dowager’s Hump?

Good news – it’s not too late to fix your posture and prevent long-term damage. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Stop looking down at your phone: You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s true. Keep your screen at eye level. Use a stand, prop your phone up, or hold it higher. Take the strain off your neck.

2. Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6.09m) away for 20 seconds. Simple, but it resets your posture and gives your neck a break.

3. Strengthen your upper back: Chin tucks, shoulder rolls and thoracic extensions should be part of your daily routine. These exercises will help you stand tall and avoid that dreaded hump.

A horrifying condition usually seen in elderly people is now hitting Aussies in their 20s and 30s, with an expert revealing the chilling cause.

4. Limit screen time: I know TikTok is addictive, but your body can’t handle hours of non-stop scrolling. Set timers to remind yourself to take breaks.

5. Fix your workstation: If you’re working from home or have a desk job, make sure your workspace is ergonomic. A comfortable, well-designed set up will help your spine stay healthy.

Final thoughts: Don’t let your phone destroy your posture

I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to help you prevent the problems that come from hours spent hunched over your phone. The Dowager’s Hump isn’t some old-lady issue anymore – it’s a real threat to your health and it’s creeping up on you faster than you think.

So, stop scrolling for a second, sit up straight, and take care of your spine. Because if you don’t, trust me, that hump’s coming for you. Your future self (and your spine) will thank you.

Dr Cody Hanish is an Australian chiropractor with over 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. With over 15 years of experience, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and certification as a Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner (CCWP), Dr. Cody blends medical expertise with viral wellness content, including his famous back-cracking ASMR videos.

Follow him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @drcody_dc

Originally published as Health expert reveals the ‘old-lady issue’ now hitting young Aussies in their 20s and 30s