How Technology Usage Impacts Neck and Back Pain

Phones, tablets, and computers make everyday life more convenient, but hours spent looking at screens can take a toll on the neck and spine.According to Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with Morris Hospital Orthopedics Sports Medicine, prolonged use of computers and mobile devices can definitely cause neck pain. Constantly bending the head forward may also alter the cervical spine’s natural curve, leading to cervical kyphosis, where the neck’s normal curve reverses.Poor posture is not simply a temporary comfort issue. Years of repeatedly holding the neck in a downward position may contribute to disc degeneration, chronic muscular pain, and, in some cases, pressure on the nerve roots.Younger adults may also be experiencing spine problems earlier than previous generations because of the amount of time spent looking down at smartphones. Other lifestyle factors matter as well, including excess weight and nicotine use, including vaping.Simple changes can help protec