Excessive Phone Use May Strain the Neck; Doctors Explain Warning Signs

Excessive smartphone use has become a common part of daily life, but spending long hours looking down at a screen can put additional strain on the neck and upper back. South Indian actress Shakeela recently revealed that she underwent cervical spine surgery costing around ₹3 lakh. After being discharged from the hospital, she shared details about her health and recovery through YouTube.

According to Dr. Ramachandran G, Consultant – Spine and Deformity Surgery at Aster Whitefield Hospital, looking down at a smartphone for prolonged periods can contribute to neck muscle fatigue, stiffness and worsening of existing disc or joint problems. Common warning signs include neck stiffness, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and upper-back pain. Pain spreading to the arms, numbness, tingling or weakness may indicate nerve compression and requires medical attention. Doctors recommend keeping phones at eye level, taking regular breaks, maintaining proper posture and doing suitable neck, shoulder and upper-back exercises. Surgery is generally considered only in serious conditions such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis when other treatments do not provide relief.