Does smartphone addiction affect cervical mobility, head posture, body awareness and pain pressure threshold?

Abstract

Aims: With the rapid development of technology, the increasing use of smartphones has become a subject of concern due to its multifaceted effects on the cervical spine and body awareness. The present study investigates effects of smartphone addiction on general cervical/isolated upper cervical mobility, body awareness, head posture, and cervical pain pressure threshold (PPT). Methods: This prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted on 108 participants, categorized as heavy users and light users based on daily smartphone use. General cervical / isolated upper cervical mobility (right and left rotation), body awareness, head posture, and PPT (midpoint of the upper trapezius muscle, and 2 cm lateral to the C2 spinous process) were assessed using the Cervical Range of Motion Device (CROM), the Body Awareness Questionnaire, craniovertebral angle, and an algometer, respectively. The comparison of cervical mobility, head posture, body awareness, and pain pressure threshold between the groups was performed using the Independent samples T test. Results: The results showed that smartphone addiction significantly affects isolated upper cervical mobility in the directions of right and left rotation (p