The Impact of Excessive Smartphone Use: Protect Your Neck and Health
Our head weighs approximately 5 kg, and the neck supports this weight, which increases depending on the angle of inclination. The more we look downward, the heavier our head becomes for the neck to support. While the cervical spine bears the weight and strain, the perceived weight of the head starts at 5 kg. However, when we lean forward, this weight increases significantly. At a 60-degree angle, the load on the lower cervical and thoracic spine can reach 22-27 kg. This strain extends to the entire spinal column.
Additionally, the soft tissues, fascia, muscles, ligaments, and tendons endure excessive tension and fatigue, increasing stress on the joints and discs. Over time, this can lead to neck stiffness and potentially cause issues in other areas of the body.
Take care while using smartphones. We often get so engrossed in what we’re doing that we fail to notice the impact of prolonged poor posture and excessive screen time. Spend quality time with yourself and your loved ones. Be mindful of your well-being and try to reduce screen focus as much as possible, especially for young children—avoid giving them mobile phones altogether.
