Scoliosis, Poor Posture & Screen Time in Teenagers: What New Research Reveals

Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.

Scoliosis, Poor Posture & Screen Time in Teenagers: What New Research Reveals

With increasing screen time, prolonged sitting, and reduced physical activity, spinal posture problems are becoming more common in teenagers. A recent study examining adolescents aged 12–14 found concerning rates of scoliosis and postural spinal deviations, highlighting the growing importance of early spinal assessments and posture education.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly see teenagers and young adults across Sunbury, Melbourne, and surrounding areas presenting with:

• Poor posture

• Forward head posture

• Rounded shoulders

• Upper back pain

• Scoliosis concerns

• Tech neck

• Spinal stiffness

• Muscular imbalances

This latest research provides important insights into how screen habits, posture awareness, and spinal alignment may affect adolescent spinal health.

Key Statistics From the Research

The findings revealed surprisingly high rates of spinal posture abnormalities among adolescents.

Major Findings

75.3% of adolescents had at least one sagittal spinal deviation

This included conditions such as:

• Forward head posture

• Flat thoracic posture

• Hyperkyphosis

• Lumbar posture changes

• 
  

42.4% showed lateral spinal deviation

Researchers found nearly half of participants demonstrated signs of lateral spinal asymmetry.

21.2% had BOTH suspected scoliosis and sagittal spinal deviations

This means more than 1 in 5 adolescents had combined multi-plane spinal posture problems.

81.5% of adolescents with suspected scoliosis had flat thoracic posture

Flat thoracic curvature (thoracic hypokyphosis) was the most common postural abnormality associated with scoliosis.

Upper back pain was significantly more common in adolescents with scoliosis-related posture changes

Participants with combined spinal deviations reported:

• More upper back pain

• Lower posture awareness

• Poorer recognition of their own spinal alignment

Fewer than one-third of participants recognised their own posture problems

This highlights how many teenagers may develop posture dysfunction without realising it.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition involving abnormal sideways curvature and rotation of the spine.

It can contribute to:

• Uneven shoulders

• Rib asymmetry

• Poor posture

• Muscle imbalance

• Back pain

• Reduced mobility

• Fatigue

• Breathing restriction in severe cases

The study used the Adam’s Forward Bend Test and scoliometer measurements to identify suspected scoliosis.

An angle of trunk rotation (ATR) greater than or equal to 5 degrees was considered clinically significant for scoliosis screening.

How Screen Time May Affect Spinal Health

One of the strongest lifestyle associations identified in the study was screen time.

Researchers found that adolescents with higher daily screen time had greater odds of combined spinal deviations.

Average screen time among adolescents with combined spinal deviations was:

• 5.7 hours per day ( this is way longer than the recommended 30 minutes, as Dr Julian always tells patients )

Compared with:

• 4.88 hours per day in adolescents without major spinal deviations ( side note .... still too high!!!! )

The study found screen time increased the likelihood of combined spinal deviations by approximately:

This indicates a measurable relationship between prolonged screen exposure and spinal posture dysfunction.

Why Teen Posture Problems Are Increasing

Modern lifestyle habits are significantly changing adolescent posture.

Common contributing factors include:

• Excessive phone use

• Tablet and laptop use

• Gaming

• Poor sitting posture

• Reduced physical activity

• Sedentary school environments

• Low posture awareness

• 
  

Forward head posture and prolonged slouched sitting place increased stress on the cervical and thoracic spine.

Over time, this may contribute to:

• Muscular imbalance

• Joint stiffness

• Spinal adaptation

• Chronic neck pain

• Upper back tension

• Headaches

• Reduced mobility

Poor Posture & Upper Back Pain: The Hidden Connection

The study found adolescents with combined spinal deviations experienced significantly more upper back pain than those without scoliosis-related changes.

This is important because spinal posture issues during adolescence may continue into adulthood if not addressed early.

Poor spinal alignment may alter:

• Load distribution

• Muscle activation

• Movement mechanics

• Breathing patterns

• Core stability

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we often assess these patterns in teenagers presenting with:

• Slouching posture

• Neck pain

• Shoulder tension

• Sports-related imbalance

• Growing pains

• Scoliosis concerns

• Desk-related spinal stiffness

The Importance of Early Detection

One of the biggest takeaways from this research is the importance of early posture screening.

Researchers noted that many adolescents had posture problems without recognising them.

Early assessment may help identify:

• Scoliosis progression

• Postural asymmetry

• Muscle imbalance

• Mobility restrictions

• Ergonomic issues

• Lifestyle-related spinal stress

Early intervention may reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems later in life.

Signs Your Teen May Need a Posture Assessment

Consider having your child assessed if you notice:

• Uneven shoulders

• Slouching

• One shoulder blade protruding

• Head leaning forward

• Frequent neck or upper back pain

• Poor sitting posture

• Complaints during schoolwork

• Reduced flexibility

• Sports performance issues

• Fatigue when sitting

Tips to Improve Teen Posture & Reduce Spinal Strain

1. Reduce Continuous Screen Time

Encourage regular movement breaks every 30–45 minutes.

2. Improve Ergonomics

Screens should be closer to eye level rather than looking downward.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Movement helps strengthen postural muscles and improve spinal stability.

4. Promote Posture Awareness

Many adolescents simply do not recognise poor posture patterns.

5. Monitor Backpack Weight

Heavy school bags may contribute to spinal stress and asymmetry.

6. Seek Early Assessment

Early intervention is often easier than correcting long-term postural adaptations later.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Postural assessment

• Soft tissue therapy

• Corrective exercises

• Ergonomic advice

• Laser therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Spinal decompression therapy

We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Sports chiropractic

• Massage therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Reference

Nilmart P, Vongsirinavarat M. Co-occurrence of suspected scoliosis and sagittal spinal deviations among early adolescents: a school-based cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors. Front Pediatr. 2026 Apr 22;14:1769144. doi: 10.3389/fped.2026.1769144. PMID: 42099515; PMCID: PMC13144105.