Looking down at a phone for long periods changes the natural curve of the cervical spine. Normally, the neck has a gentle inward curve that helps balance the head’s weight. But bending forward flattens or reverses this curve, causing muscle spasms, joint stress, and even degeneration of the spinal discs. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, reduced neck mobility, and in severe cases, may require surgery.
Research using ergonomic assessment tools has found that smartphone users often adopt awkward neck, trunk, and leg postures that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Female users tend to experience more symptoms than males, possibly due to differences in posture and muscle strength.