The modern age is deemed to have many benefits, especially life-changing technology such as smartphones.

With over four billion phone users, smartphones are a time-saving, efficient way to communicate with people or search the web for information. People, however, often do not recognize the effects of using such mobile devices for long periods of time.

According to The Washington Times, people spend an average of five hours a day on their phones. The devices have become a necessity in people’s lives. In fact, texting and the use of social media apps have become the dominant form of communication.

However, as smartphones become the go-to device, they’re also becoming a pain in the neck, literally.

With the head bent over to look at a mobile device, 60 pounds of pressure is put on the neck.

“Text Neck” is now a medical condition that affects millions of people. Text Neck is a condition which produces pain in the neck, shoulder, back, arm, fingers, hands, wrists and elbows. Pain can also include headaches and numbness of the upper extremities. The pressure strains the spine and can pull it out of alignment.  

Junior Shailyn Makana Wilson said, “I noticed that I have been feeling pains in my back and neck at times when I spend too much time on my phone either texting or browsing the web.”

To prevent Text Neck, people must take precautions that include using phones less often.

People can also download the text neck app which gives real-time feedback about one’s posture. The app also tracks standing and slouching patterns and lets people know if they are lapsing into bad body habits.

“While it is nearly impossible to avoid the technologies that cause these issues, individuals should make an effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours each day hunched over,” said Lindsay Bever, an expert who researches the effects of text neck.