Mr. John, 38 years old, was experiencing neck pain, a hunched neck, and weakness in his limbs. After a diagnosis, the doctor confirmed that he had three herniated discs in his cervical spine and would need surgery to fuse the bones and insert eight screws.

Damaged Cervical Vertebrae Due to Phone Use

An MRI scan performed at a hospital showed that Mr. John had severe cervical disc herniation from C3 to C7, a hunched spine, and nerve compression that caused damage to the spinal cord at the C5 and C6 vertebrae (the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae). Additionally, his lumbar spine was also affected by a herniated disc and nerve compression at the L4 and L5 vertebrae (the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae). Currently, he was experiencing weakness in his right limbs, significant pain in his neck, shoulders, and back, and difficulty performing tasks that involved lifting heavy objects or tasks requiring precision, such as buttoning a shirt or holding chopsticks.

Dr. Smith, an orthopedic specialist at a major hospital, noted that Mr. John had a habit of using his phone for over 8 hours a day. "Frequent actions like tilting the head to answer the phone or bending the neck to look at the phone are likely the main cause of neck issues in young people who do not have a history of spine degeneration, like Mr. John," explained Dr. Smith.

According to Dr. Smith, the average adult head weighs about 4-5 kg, but when trying to see a phone or laptop screen clearly, the head often tilts forward and the neck bends down, increasing pressure on the cervical region up to 27 kg. This creates an overload on the muscles and joints in the neck, leading to injuries and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, this causes the natural curve of the cervical spine to collapse, leading to a hunched neck and accelerating degeneration and disc bulging.

MRI Scan Results Showing Herniated Discs

The MRI scans revealed the herniated cervical discs and the spinal cord damage in Mr. John's case.

Mr. John underwent a surgical procedure to fuse the bones in his cervical spine using an anterior approach. This minimally invasive surgery preserves the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues at the back of the spine, leading to less pain and quicker recovery, with a reduced risk of nerve damage.

Dr. Smith explained that the surgery required careful planning because Mr. John needed fusion from three or more vertebrae, which carried the risk of non-union and the formation of a false joint. During the surgery, the doctor removed the damaged bone spurs and discs, then fused the bones into the disc spaces. The goal was to remove the damaged discs, relieve nerve compression, create space for the spinal cord to recover, and restore the natural curve of the cervical spine. The surgery lasted 2.5 hours, and eight screws were inserted.

Post-Surgery Recovery

On the first day after the surgery, Mr. John had already recovered about 90%, with a significant reduction in pain and noticeable improvement in his mobility and muscle strength. He will need close monitoring for the next three months to ensure proper bone healing. The cervical and lumbar nerves share some sensory pathways, so after the surgery in the cervical spine, nerve congestion and tension were alleviated.

The pain and weakness in his back and legs also improved significantly. Mr. John will continue with conservative treatment using medication and physical therapy, avoiding the need for further surgery. Additionally, he has been advised to change his lifestyle habits to prevent further damage to the nearby vertebrae.

Preventive Measures for Smartphone Use

Using smartphones and other electronic devices has become a daily habit for many people in modern life. However, it's important to limit screen time, take appropriate breaks, and use these devices properly.

Dr. Smith recommends that when using a phone, users should keep it at eye level, take breaks every 15-30 minutes, and perform neck and finger stretching exercises. These good habits help reduce pressure on the spine and prevent injuries like thumb and wrist strain from prolonged phone use.