Study Finds 27-Kilogram Neck Load From Phone Use, Accelerating Upper-Spine Degeneration
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Aug 29
Study Finds 27-Kilogram Neck Load From Phone Use, Accelerating Upper-Spine Degeneration
2 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Aug 29
Summary
Real-time X-rays of young volunteers showed texting shifts the heaviest strain to the upper neck, where researchers said early degeneration is now appearing in younger patients.
At a 60-degree forward bend, the head’s effective load on the spine rises from about 5 kilograms to nearly 27 kilograms, with sitting and texting producing the worst posture distortion.
Doctors said the fix is behavioral rather than abandoning phones: raise the screen to eye level, lean back when seated, and avoid long uninterrupted sessions.
Eye specialists said most screen-related burning, dryness and blurred vision reflect reversible digital eye strain, while myopia risk in children is tied more broadly to prolonged close work and too little outdoor daylight.
Hand surgeons also report more thumb and wrist overuse complaints in young users, though evidence for permanent phone-caused damage remains limited, reinforcing advice to take breaks, vary movement and stay physically active.