Khaberni - Dr. Yaroslav Guren, an associate professor at Pirogov Medical University, reported that continuous smartphone use, especially while sitting for extended periods, can have wide-ranging negative effects on the body.
Dr. Yaroslav Guren explained that repeatedly tilting one's head while using a smartphone can lead to several adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system and general body functions.
He pointed out that constantly bending the head forward can stress neck muscles and cause numbing in the hands, along with breathing problems and rapid fatigue. He also noted that this position, over time, leads to gradual changes in the spine as the cervical spine experiences unnatural pressure due to the loss of the physiological curvature responsible for shock absorption and load distribution.
He added that prolonged phone use in a bent position leads to chronic muscular tension, circulation disorders, cramps, and continual pain in the neck and shoulders, which can be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and a sensation of heaviness in the upper body.
He warned that continuing this habit could lead to what is known as "phone neck," a condition associated with an upper back hump, weakened back muscles, abdominal protrusion, along with decreased efficiency of the diaphragm and difficulty breathing due to reduced chest flexibility.
Guren emphasized that these changes can be mitigated in their early stages through behavior modification, such as raising the phone screen to eye level, changing sitting positions frequently, taking regular breaks every 30 to 40 minutes, along with strengthening the back muscles and increasing physical activity.
