The prolonged use of electronic devices—especially smartphones—is driving a concerning increase in pediatric cases of cervical pain and spinal issues, according to Colombian neurosurgeon Dr. Néstor Taboada. He issued the warning during the 9th Congress of the Dominican Society of Spine Surgery.
Dr. Taboada highlighted a shift in medical trends, noting that it is now increasingly common to see children presenting with neck pain and postural problems typically associated with adults.
“In the past, when a child complained of neck pain, we considered the possibility of a serious underlying condition,” he said. “Today, these complaints are often directly linked to the excessive and continuous use of smartphones and tablets.”
He urged parents to take the issue seriously, emphasizing the long-term health risks that poor posture and device overuse can pose to developing children.
