The effects of heavy smartphone use on the cervical angle, pain threshold of neck muscles and depression

Abstract

A forward head posture (turtle neck posture) is becoming more common with the increasing popularity of smartphones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the craniovertebral angle, head position angle, pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, and presence of depression in heavy smartphone users compared to a control group. Twenty healthy students participated in the study. The participants were recruited from Sahmyook University and were divided into a heavy user group (n=10) and a control group (n=10) according to smartphone addiction proneness. Participants in both groups were assessed for their pain pressure threshold of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, craniovertebral angle and head position angle, and depression. When comparing the results between the two groups, there were significant differences in the pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, head position angle, and depression (p<.05), but not in the craniovertebral angle. Based on the results, this study shows that heavy smartphone use may produce considerable stresses on the cervical spine, thus changing the cervical curve and pain threshold of the muscles around the neck. Smartphones could also cause negative effects on a person's psychological status, such as depression. Therefore, individuals should make an effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours hunched over their screens each day.