Actor Shakeela warns against phone addiction after Rs 3 lakh neck surgery; expert advises caution

Veteran actress Shakeela Begum, often called Shakeela, recently underwent neck surgery due to excessive phone usage. She admitted on her YouTube vlog that she used to play games and constantly check social media for four hours at a time, only getting up for breaks like getting coffee or tea. This has led her to warn against phone addiction, especially among children.

She emphasized the importance of using phones judiciously and not relying on them excessively. Dr. Jayesh Bhanushali, a spine surgery consultant at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, concurred with Shakeela's warning, stating that poor posture while using mobile phones can lead to neck problems, especially when the phone is used for prolonged periods with the head bent forward.

This constant downward gaze increases strain on the neck muscles, joints, and discs, potentially causing stiffness, muscle fatigue, and ongoing neck pain. While excessive phone use itself does not necessarily mean a person will need surgery, poor posture and prolonged inactivity can exacerbate existing issues and may worsen symptoms.

Dr. Bhanushali advised paying attention to warning signs such as persistent neck pain, pain radiating into the shoulders or arms, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands, and difficulty with balance or changes in walking patterns. To use phones more safely, he recommended keeping the screen closer to eye level, avoiding long periods of lying down while using a phone, changing positions often, and taking regular breaks to move and stretch, particularly during gaming or scrolling sessions.

Children should also be given reasonable screen time limits, along with ample outdoor play and physical activity. According to Dr. Bhanushali, the message should not be that "phones are dangerous" but rather "how you use them matters."