Smartphone use and back pain: a narrative review of postural pathologies

Abstract

Smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal pain. However, back pain related to smartphone usage and the implication of postural pathologies are less focused. The aims of this study were to conduct a literature review to examine this important issue. A search of PubMed was performed from 2014 through 2023 using the keywords “cell phone”, “smartphone”, “mobile phone”, and “back pain”. The focus was placed on research examining the physical impact of smartphone use on back pain, with studies exclusively addressing neck pain being excluded. The review identified a strong association between smartphone use and musculoskeletal pain, particularly back pain. Evidence from various studies demonstrated that prolonged smartphone use leads to increased thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and altered muscle activity, contributing to posture-related pathologies. Specific postures, such as prolonged poor sitting, standing, or lying positions, while using smartphone, were strongly associated with musculoskeletal strain and pain. In conclusions, these findings emphasize the critical role of posture in mediating the adverse effects of smartphone use on back pain. Future research should focus on long-term studies to evaluate the progression of posturerelated pathologies and explore innovative interventions to mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged smartphone use.