Crouching over computers and humping heavy schoolbags full of books every day are turning New Zealand students into "hunchbacks," Monday's Otago Daily Times reported. ( dpa )
"I see hundreds of children who are so stooped, the back of their head is in front of their chest," physiotherapist Steve August told the paper. "That posture traps nerves, causes nerve damage, headaches, neck problems and occupational overuse syndrome.
"These factors are creating a nation of hunchbacks."
August said, "Ideally, your earlobes should be above your shoulders."
He said the problem was particularly bad when students carried their schoolbags over one shoulder, which made their spines asymmetrical.