Top 7 health problems that can be caused by the phone and solutions to diminish them. From muscle pain and tired eyes to “brain rot”

The mobile phone has become almost a natural extension of our hand, and the mere idea that we could remain without access to it, even for a short time, can cause a difficult discomfort. We are permanently connected, accustomed to checking notifications and interacting digital.

But this addiction has a price, and the specialists sound an alarm: the excessive use of the mobile phone can affect both the body and the mental balance. Here are the most common effects that we should be aware of.

1. Musculoskeletal problems

Throat pain

The prolonged position with the head bent towards the phone screen exerts a significant pressure on the spine. Doctors report an increase in the number of patients who have neck pain, muscle spasms and problems in the cervical spine because of this habit.

Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, orthopedic surgeon and head of the Spinal Surgery Section at New York Spine Surgery and Rehability Medicine, points out that: “Leaning the head forward to 60 degrees to look at the phone, which in a neutral position is 4-5 kilograms, to be felt about 22 kilograms. kilograms of additional stress on the spine, causing damage to the intervertebral discs. ”

To prevent this condition, specialists recommend:

• Regular breaks every 20 minutes,
• Exercises to stretch and arch the back,
• Positioning the phone at the eye level during use,
• Practicing posture exercises in yoga or pilates.

Compression of the lungs

The incorrect posture adopted during the use of the phone does not only affect the spine. Studies have shown that excessive leaning can compress the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. This reduces the amount of oxygen available for the brain and the rest of the body, affecting their optimal functioning.

Finger problems

The constant and repetitive movements of typing or sliding on the phone screen can, over time, lead to inflammation of the tendons that control the joints of the fingers, fist and even the elbow. Dr. Aaron Daluiski, orthopedic surgery specialized in hand surgery in New York-Prebyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in the US, points out that: “Terms such as” DE MESSAGES “,” Tinder finger “or” Telephone “are not formal diagnoses. There are expressions used by people who use the phone and inflammation in the area and inflammation. hands and arms, symptoms that often indicate a tendon. ”

To reduce the risk of these conditions, Dr. Daluiski recommends breaks every 20-30 minutes of intense typing or using applications that require repetitive slide. In severe cases, it may be necessary to evaluate a specialist for ATTE, physiotherapy or cortisone injections.

Arthritis of the thumb

Although there is no clear evidence that the use of the phone directly causes arthritis in the thumb, it can significantly aggravate the symptoms. Arthritis in this area is manifested by pain and sensitivity to the base of the thumb, where it meets with the wrist. Repetitive clamping movements, such as the phone's land or typing with big fingers, can contribute to the triggering or aggravation of this condition.

2. Eye problems

Tired eyes

The phone screen emits blue light with a short wavelength that can quickly get tired and cause pain. According to the American optometry association, focus on a digital screen is considerably more tiring than reading on paper. The explanation? The letters are not as clear, the contrast between the rear and background illuminated characters, and users frequently face glows and reflections.

Prolonged use can lead to:

• Dry eyes because of the low blink,
• Headaches,
• Blurred vision,
• Eye fatigue.

Prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by phone screens can have more serious effects than mere eye fatigue – over time, it can damage the cornea (transparent lens from the front of the eye) and affect the quality of vision. To reduce the impact, the specialists recommend a visual break every 20 minutes, looking in the distance, as well as the frequent blinking, to keep the eyes hydrated and protected.

3. Psychological problems

Depression

More and more studies indicate a connection between the intense use of social networks and the appearance of depressive symptoms, and the smart phones, always handy, facilitate this “overdose” of social media. “Constant bombing with images of lives that seem perfect – happy, successful people – it inevitably leads to unrealistic comparisons and a decrease in self -esteem,” explained Dr. Debra Kissen, clinical director at Light on Anxietment Center in Chicago, USA.

Nomophobia

Nomophobia is the name given to the fear of being left without the mobile phone, an increasingly encountered phenomenon. Dr. Kissen points out that this anxiety can often convince a person that is not safe if he does not have the phone nearby. To reduce this fear, specialists recommend leaving the phone at home for longer periods or getting used to the idea of ​​being without it in different contexts.

“Ghost vibration syndrome”

The constant sensation that the phone is ringing or vibrating, although this is not happened, is closely related to the anxiety generated by the fear of missing an important message or call. The more we check the phone, the more the trend is accentuated. It becomes a real problem when this behavior interferes with daily activities or causes a high level of stress and discomfort.

Damage to memory

With a handy smartphone, there is no motivation to memorize information that can be easily sought, such as phone numbers. Dr. Debra Kissen points out that once we give up memory exercise, our ability to retain information can begin to “rust”. Good news? There are solutions. Memory games or cognitive exercises can contribute to the regaining of mental agility.

Brain Root (brain rot)

One of the latest concepts that describe the effects of excessive use of the phone is “Brain Rot” – the term designated the word 2024 by Oxford Dictionaries. It refers to the gradual degradation of mental capacity due to compulsive superficial digital content, especially from social networks.

Scroll without break, continuous notifications and rapid alternation between applications overstimate the brain and reduce the ability to concentrate, affect memory and weaken critical thinking. In the long term, this fragmented digital consumption can lead to mental fatigue, social isolation and emotional difficulties, all powered by an always present and difficult to leave.

Fomo (Fear of Missing Out)

The fear of missing something – also known as Fomo – is constantly fueled by mobile phones, which keep us connected to everything others do. Whether it is spectacular holidays, social events or personal successes, repeated exposure to these images can arouse us frustration, envy or even feelings of dissatisfaction with our own life.

4. Sleep disorders

Using the phone before bed can seriously affect the quality of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation in the US, 95% of people use an electronic device before bedtime. The blue light emitted by the screen inhibits the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, which makes it difficult to sleep.

In addition, vibrations, notifications or lights that appear overnight can fragment sleep, so the function “do not disturb” should become an evening routine.

5. accidents

The mobile phone can distract your attention exactly when you need maximum concentration – whether you are behind the wheel or cross a busy street.

Sending a message while driving takes about 5 seconds. At 88 km/h, it means enough to cross the length of a football field – without being present in traffic. And this seemingly trivial gesture increases the risk of accident 23 times, whether you write or use vocal dictation.

Even the phone talk is not risk -free: even without looking at the screen, the risk of accident doubles or even triples. Statistics show that over one million accidents a year, ie about 1 in 5, are related to the use of the phone during the driver – including those with serious consequences.

6. Bacteria and hygiene problems

The mobile phone accompanies you everywhere, including in the bathroom, but how often do you clean it? A study in the UK has revealed that 1 in 6 phones contains the E. coli bacteria, probably because users did not wash their hands well. Although the hard surface of the phone makes it more difficult to survive germs, a periodic cleaning is recommended.

The constant touch of the phone with contaminated hands makes it extremely dirty. When you hold your phone in your ear, bacteria can be transferred to the face, causing acne.

7. Electromagnetic radiation

Mobile phones emit a form of electromagnetic radiation that the body can absorb. Although numerous researches have been carried out on the relationship between this type of exposure and various forms of cancer, the results are contradictory and inconclusive. This means that no one really knows the long -term effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones, according to the US National Cancer Institute.

What is known is that the use of a hand-free device is safer than holding the phone in the ear.

How to reduce the risks

Here are some practical strategies to reduce the negative effects of your mobile phone: Health:

• Take regular breaks. After 25–30 minutes of intense use, give yourself 5 minutes of break. It's an effective way to reduce fatigue and protect your eyes and posture.
• Pay attention to the body's position. Instead of leaning to the screen, lift the phone to the eyes. Make sure the ears are aligned with shoulders, and relaxed shoulder blades.
• Set moments without phone. Choose a few moments of the day to leave it aside-especially at the table, before bedtime or when you spend quality time with someone.
• Activates the blue light filter. Most phones have this function, and in the evening it is particularly useful to protect your sleep.
• Clean it regularly. Use special towels for screens and electronic surfaces – the phone gathers bacteria faster than you think.
• Prioritizes face -to -face interactions. When you are in an important conversation, put the phone aside. His visible presence can distract and weaken the connection with the one in front of you.