The effect of smartphone texting on cervical spine sagittal alignment in healthy young adults

Why This Matters

Neck pain is increasingly common in younger populations, often associated with prolonged smartphone use. While “text neck” is widely discussed, there is limited objective imaging data showing how texting actually affects cervical spine alignment. This study provides measurable insight into segmental changes occurring during smartphone use.

What the Research Found

This study evaluated cervical spine alignment in healthy adults under 40 using radiographs taken in neutral posture and while texting—both sitting and standing.

Key Findings:

    • Smartphone texting produced significant segmental changes across multiple cervical levels
    • The most pronounced changes occurred in the upper cervical spine (FM–C4 region)
    • Changes were more pronounced in sitting than standing
    • Both intervertebral and interdiscal angles were affected at multiple levels

Overall cervical lordosis did not significantly change, suggesting localized rather than global alignment effects

Clinical Takeaways

    • Recognize that smartphone use creates repetitive segmental stress, particularly in the upper cervical spine
    • Be aware that sitting posture increases cervical strain compared to standing
    • Consider that even in young, asymptomatic individuals, measurable biomechanical changes occur
    • Understand that localized segmental stress may precede global postural changes
    • Address posture and device habits as part of prevention and management strategies

Where Collaborative Spine Care May Support This

Manual medicine and conservative spine care approaches may help address segmental dysfunction and postural stress associated with prolonged device use. Patient education, ergonomic modification, and targeted care may play an important role in reducing cumulative strain on the cervical spine.

Reference

Trior Simonovich I, Haddad E, Vider S, et al. The effect of smartphone texting on cervical spine sagittal alignment in healthy young adults. J Spine Surg. 2025;11(4):977–988.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jss-24-19
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41509843/