Back and spine problems caused by excessive gadget use: doctors

Doctors warn that excessive use of gadgets among people aged 20 to 55 is leading to a significant increase in the incidence of back and spine pain.

Many people experience severe and debilitating symptoms, including sharp, stabbing, or dull back or neck pain, muscle spasms, tingling, loss of sensation, and even weakness or limited movement.

Prolonged screen time increases the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, especially the spine. Cases of severe pain, tingling and functional weakness have been reported.

“In this digital age, increased screen time is causing an increase in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially those affecting the spine. There has been a 60 per cent increase in back and spine problems. People in the 20-55 age group report severe pain, sometimes accompanied by loss of control over urination or bowel movements, tingling in limbs and functional weakness. Seven out of 10 patients I see daily suffer from back and neck pain,” Mohit Muttha, orthopedic and spine surgeon at Apollo Spectra, Pune, told IANS.

“Bad posture, especially forward head posture (FHP), caused by excessive gadget use, leads to muscle imbalance and tightness in the hip and lumbar muscles, making daily activities stressful and painful,” Muttha added.

“A 60 per cent increase in lower back and neck problems among people aged 20-45 years is attributed to gadget addiction, which causes discomfort in the neck and cervical spine. If neglected, it can lead to more serious problems, including neck pain, stiff shoulders, headaches and restricted mobility. Out of 10-12 patients who visit me daily, around 4-5 have neck and lower back pain related to misuse of gadgets,” Ram Chaddha, a spine surgeon at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, told IANS.

Regular breaks, good posture and daily exercises such as yoga and stretching are key to preventing back and spine problems in people aged 20-50.

“There has been a worrying 50 per cent increase in back and spine problems among people in the 20-50 age group. Out of five patients, at least 2-3 are suffering from back pain and they are advised to rest for a speedy recovery,” Burhan Salim Siamwala, consultant spine surgeon at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, told IANS. (IANs)