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Text Neck: How Smartphone Use Damages Your Spine – And 4 Expert Fixes

Text Neck: How Smartphone Use Damages Your Spine – And 4 Expert Fixes

Smartphones have revolutionized communication, but they've also reshaped our posture—for the worse.

When you tilt your head down to check your phone, it places up to 27 kg (60 lbs) of pressure on your neck, equivalent to an 8-year-old child perched on your head.

This strain takes a serious toll on your spine, leading to chronic issues.

Text Neck: How Smartphone Use Damages Your Spine – And 4 Expert Fixes

Studies show we spend 2 to 4 hours daily glued to our screens. New York spine surgeon Dr. Kenneth K. Hansraj warns that this habit can trigger back pain, heighten stress levels, and accelerate spinal degeneration.

Protect your spine with these four evidence-based tips:

How to Use Your Phone Without Harming Your Spine

1. Hold your phone at eye level, directly in front of you, rather than bending your neck forward.

2. Glance downward with your eyes instead of dropping your chin.

3. Maintain a straight spine, like this:

Text Neck: How Smartphone Use Damages Your Spine – And 4 Expert Fixes

4. For tablets, elevate the screen 30° for typing and nearly vertical for reading. A dedicated stand works best.

Text Neck: How Smartphone Use Damages Your Spine – And 4 Expert Fixes

Implement these adjustments to safeguard your spinal health long-term.