Effect of Chronic Smart Phone Usage on the Pain & Range of Motion of Neck among Healthcare Professional Students

This cross-sectional study investigates the effects of chronic smartphone usage on neck pain and range of motion among 320 healthcare professional students aged 18-25 years from SVIMS and CKS Dental College. Using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), participants who used their phones for more than 4 hours per day were classified as chronic users. Neck pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and the range of neck motion was measured with a universal goniometer. The study found a correlation between extended smartphone use and increased neck pain intensity and decreased cervical range of motion. This study highlights the need for awareness regarding the musculoskeletal impacts of prolonged smartphone usage, particularly among healthcare professionals who are often reliant on mobile technology for academic and clinical purposes.