Using a cell phone for long periods can cause faulty posture, such as forward neck posture, rounded shoulders, or slouching. This can injure the cervical and lumbar spine. It is that leaning forward to look at a cell phone can increase pressure on the cervical spine by up to 60 degrees. This is equivalent to carrying the weight of multiple extra heads on your neck.
Neurosurgeon Carlos Pimentel has warned that the constant use of smartphones is contributing to an increase in medical consultations for cervical spine issues. The specialist made the remarks when participating in an activity of the Dominican Society of Spine Surgery, as per a press release on the event.
Dr. Pimentel, a specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, highlighted the growing concern during his participation in the society meeting. He explained that more patients are seeking medical attention for neck problems linked to poor posture and prolonged positions, which can lead to diseases of the cervical discs. Degenerative conditions are also a common cause of these consultations, particularly involving herniated discs in the cervical spine.
In addition to these causes, Dr. Pimentel noted that office workers who spend long hours with their necks bent downward are also frequently seeking treatment. However, the rise of smartphone use has introduced a new concern, with many people spending excessive time looking down at their phones, exacerbating poor neck alignment. While these conditions primarily affect adults over 40, the specialist observed a growing incidence among younger patients as well.
Many of the patients are suffering from what is known as “tech neck,” the result of poor posture while using a cell phone can cause chronic neck or shoulder pain, stiffness, or soreness. E smartphone use may lead to cervical spondylosis, a chronic degenerative disease of the cervical spine.
The main reason patients visit a neurosurgeon, according to Dr. Pimentel, is pain in the arms, neck, back, and legs. This pain is often debilitating and restricts normal activities, including socializing and exercising. In response, the doctor emphasized the importance of using minimally invasive techniques to alleviate pain without resorting to more invasive procedures.
Recommendations:
• Raise your phone instead of bending your head down.
• Keep your phone at or slightly below chin level.
• Avoid holding your phone in your lap or below your chest.
• Use other fingers to type instead of your thumb.
• Keep your wrists neutral and comfortable.
• Limit typing to 10–15 minutes.
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17 December 2024