Neck pain in young adults: Impact of electronic device use and other associated factors.

Dr Syed Shamim N Matin Razvi; Dr R.N.Shewale; Dr Samina K Khatib

Volume : VIII, Issue : X, October - 2018

Neck pain in young adults: Impact of electronic device use and other associated factors.

Dr Syed Shamim N Matin Razvi, Dr R. N. Shewale, Dr Samina K Khatib

Abstract :

Background and objectives: The use of electronic gadgets like mobile phones and computers has increased in the past decade. These are used widely for communication and occupational activities. Excessive use of these can cause health problems like neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, a study was planned toinvestigate the risk factors for neck pain and associated symptoms with the use of such gadgets in young adults who used them regularly.

Materials and methods: This cross–sectional study was done in a tertiary hospital of a medical college and included young adults of both genders (age 18–35 years)having neck pain and history of regular use of gadgets like mobile and computers.The information regarding the habits of usage of gadgets,physical activity and associated symptoms and disorders was collected. Chi square analysis and multinomial regression analysis was done to detect the risk factors.

Results: Neck pain related to the use of electronic gadgets was significantly related to duration of time spent using personal computer (PC)(p=0.024),use of PC without moving for more than 1.5 hours(p=0.034) and regular use of smart phone(0.033). Headache and loss of concentration were significantly common in students (p=0.001) and in users of desktop computer(p=0.01).Difficulty in concentration (p=0.006 )and depression (p=0.002)were significantly associated with use of gaming devices. Fatigue was significantly associated with daily use of smartphones for more than 1 hour(p=0.029), gaming devices (p=0.022) and television(0.02).Dizziness was more common in females (p=0.001) and in users of gaming devices (p=0.000) and in age group 26–35 years(p=0.03).

Conclusion:Prevention of neck pain and associated symptoms with the computer and mobile devices is possible by ergonomic corrections,postural health, taking frequent eaks while using PCs and limiting the total hours of usage of mobile devices.