Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Digital Device Users

Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with digital device use encompass a spectrum of pain and discomfort affecting the neck, shoulders, upper back and upper limbs. Prolonged screen engagement, sustained static postures and repetitive fine motor tasks combine to impose abnormal loads on cervical and thoracic structures, often leading to forward head posture, increased cervical flexion and muscular fatigue. These biomechanical stresses may provoke tendon degeneration, myofascial trigger points and altered neuromuscular control. Epidemiological surveys indicate rising prevalence of neck pain, shoulder stiffness and wrist disorders in adolescents, young adults and occupational cohorts worldwide. Individual risk factors include duration of device use, suboptimal workstation ergonomics, lack of regular movement breaks and psychosocial stressors. The global penetration of smartphones, tablets and laptops has transformed daily activities, making musculoskeletal health a public concern with economic and quality-of-life implications. Prevention strategies emphasise postural education, periodic microbreaks, ergonomic adjustments and, increasingly, wearable technologies that monitor head orientation and deliver corrective feedback. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches combine manual therapy, targeted exercises and behavioural interventions to restore function and prevent recurrence. As digital engagement shows no sign of abating, research efforts continue to refine our understanding of underlying mechanisms, quantify dose–response relationships and develop scalable interventions to mitigate chronic disability.

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Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Digital Device Users publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in musculoskeletal symptoms in digital device users across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cervical flexion: Bending of the neck forward, increasing load on anterior cervical structures.

Forward head posture: Anterior translation of the head relative to the vertical spine, often seen in device users.

Tendinosis: Chronic degeneration of a tendon’s collagen matrix without inflammatory cells.

Myofascial pain syndrome: Localised muscle pain disorder characterised by trigger points and referred pain patterns.

Vibrotactile stimulus: A haptic cue delivered through localized vibration to prompt posture adjustment.

References

1. A skin-integrated device for neck posture monitoring and correction. Microsystems & Nanoengineering (2023).
2. Risk factors for neck pain in college students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health (2023).
3. Excessive use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health (2023).