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The Impact of Smartphone Use on the Cervical Spine

A study found that the habit of looking down at a smartphone for extended periods of time can place as much pressure on your neck as having an 8-year-old child hanging from it. The average weight the neck feels based on the angle of the head tilt is as follows:

Study Results:

0 degrees: 10-12 pounds

15 degrees: 27 pounds

30 degrees: 40 pounds

45 degrees: 49 pounds

60 degrees: 60 pounds

Effects of Continuous Pressure on the Cervical Spine: When excessive pressure is continuously applied to the cervical spine, it can lead to a misalignment of the vertebrae (MICRO & SEGMENTAL MISALIGNMENT -----> MACRO MISALIGNMENT -----> SPINAL DEGENERATION), eventually causing conditions like ‘forward head posture’ or herniated discs. Poor neck health can also result in complications such as headaches and depression. Recently, these cervical spine disorders have been labeled as ‘Text Neck Syndrome,’ with the primary cause being the posture of looking down at a smartphone.

Smartphone users typically spend 2-4 hours a day hunching over their phones, and researchers warn that 58% of American adults who own a smartphone are at risk for neck-related health issues, with the problem being particularly severe among younger generations.

After analyzing countless X-rays, it has become clear that the spinal health of young people is in a dire state. It’s not uncommon to see individuals in their 20s with spines resembling those of people in their 50s.

If you're young or don't experience pain currently, it doesn't mean your only spine is problem-free! You can't find the age or condition of your spine without an X-ray, which is why RAPHA P&I Clinic requires an X-ray during the initial visit. It's time to check and take action to ensure your spine doesn’t age faster than you! Proper treatment and care are essential, and we are here to help. We are a team! We go together!