CHANGES AT CERVICAL SPINE DUE TO EXCESS SMARTPHONE USAGE

Dr. Kedar Athawale*

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the changes at cervical spine seen on lateral view of cervical spine radiograph in group of people using smartphone with those not using one. Materials and Method: Sixty members of staff of our medical college were included in the study, all under fourty years of age. Two groups were formed, each group comprising thirty participants. They were made to answer a questionnaire which compromised of symptoms related to cervical spine due to mobile phone usage. Lateral view of cervical spine was obtained in all of the participants. Results: First group of individuals who did not used smartphone, out of thirty - five complained of neck pain and headache {16.6%}. None complained of tingling at upper limb {0%}. None had any obvious changes at cervical spine. Second group of individuals who used smartphone for at least two years, out of thirty – twenty five complained of neck pain {83.3%} while ten complained of tingling at the upper limb {30%}. Twenty seven {90%} showed one of change at cervical spine on radiograph. Conclusion: The findings concluded that excessive use of smartphone does cause changes at cervical spine in majority of individuals. The changes depend on varied factors with how excessively is the smartphone used being one of them.

Keywords: Cervical spine pain, Smartphone, Osteophyte.