Neck pain, burning eyes, aching hands: Is your smartphone changing your body?
We spend hours staring at screens each day, but which health risks are backed by research and which remain disputed? Experts from Rambam and Sheba explain what prolonged screen use does to the neck, eyes and hands
In recent years, research has focused on the effects of screen time on the body, beyond sleep and mental health. Young people are increasingly visiting orthopedic clinics with neck pain and upper back pain, attributed to the hours spent in front of screens. This phenomenon has led to the emergence of "text neck," a real problem for many.
Doctors have found that prolonged phone use can cause significant strain on the neck, with the upper part of the neck being most affected. Sitting while texting exacerbates the issue, as it promotes slumping posture, increasing the load on the neck. The pressure on the neck can reach nearly 27 kilograms when the head is bent forward at a 60-degree angle.
While screen use does not necessarily cause permanent damage, it can lead to temporary discomfort, such as burning, dryness, or blurred vision. This condition, known as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, is often caused by reduced blinking, prolonged focusing effort, poor lighting, and working from too close a distance.
To mitigate these issues, experts recommend spending more time outdoors, taking planned breaks, and following the 20-20-20 rule.
Written by urgent.news from Ynetnews Culture's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
