Top News

In Japan, a 25-year-old gamer developed a rare and severe condition called dropped head syndrome (DHS) after years of excessive smartphone use . Hours spent hunched over his phone while gaming caused chronic neck strain, leaving him unable to lift his head, swallow properly, or maintain a healthy weight. Though DHS is usually linked to neuromuscular disorders, in this case, it was triggered by poor posture and prolonged screen time. Experts warn that as smartphone and gaming habits increase among young people worldwide, similar posture-related injuries, sometimes severe, may become more common, making awareness and prevention essential.



How excessive phone use caused dropped head syndrome

According to a case study published in NIH, a 25-year-old gamer in Japan developed a rare and serious condition known as dropped head syndrome (DHS) after years of spending hours hunched over his smartphone playing video games. Doctors reported that his head drooped forward to the point where he could no longer lift it, swallow properly, or maintain a healthy weight. This alarming case has prompted experts to warn young people worldwide about the potential dangers of prolonged smartphone use and poor posture.

DHS, sometimes called “floppy head syndrome,” is usually linked to neuromuscular disorders, but in this instance, years of chronic neck strain from gaming caused the debilitating condition. The man had previously isolated himself due to bullying, spending much of his time on his phone with his head bent forward at steep angles, placing extreme stress on his cervical spine.




How smartphone overuse damages the neck

The injury developed gradually over several years. The patient initially experienced neck pain, which worsened over six months until he could no longer lift his head. Scans revealed vertebral deformities, scar tissue formation, and muscle weakness. The neck muscles and ligaments responsible for keeping the head upright had weakened significantly, leaving his chin resting on his chest.

Conservative treatment with neck collars failed, as the patient experienced numbness and persistent pain. Eventually, doctors decided surgery was necessary to stabilize and realign his spine. This case demonstrates the severe consequences of what is commonly called “tech neck,” a condition caused by prolonged forward head posture from devices like smartphones and tablets.



Treatment and recovery: Surgery for dropped head syndrome

Surgical intervention involved removing damaged vertebrae and scar tissue, followed by the placement of metal rods and screws to support proper spinal alignment. Recovery was slow but effective; six months after surgery, the patient regained the ability to hold his head upright. By the one-year follow-up, swallowing difficulties were resolved, posture was stable, and his quality of life improved dramatically.

Although DHS is rare, experts note that prolonged smartphone use and poor posture can contribute significantly to cervical spine issues . While not everyone will develop DHS, chronic neck strain is increasingly common among young adults, leading to milder but still concerning spinal problems.



Prevention: How to protect your neck from tech-related injuries

Preventing posture-related neck problems is straightforward, though it requires awareness and discipline. Experts recommend:

• Avoiding prolonged forward flexion of the neck.
• Taking frequent breaks from screens.
• Performing neck-strengthening and posture-improving exercises.
• Using ergonomically arranged seating and devices at eye level.

For severe cases like this Japanese gamer, surgery remains the only viable solution, but milder symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes. This case highlights the critical intersection of mental well-being, physical health, and technology habits. Excessive smartphone use in poor posture, combined with pre-existing vulnerabilities, can lead to serious consequences if awareness and prevention are neglected.

As screen time continues to rise globally, this story serves as a warning: even seemingly harmless habits like scrolling on a phone for hours can have long-term, debilitating effects on the spine. By maintaining good posture and limiting continuous device use, young people can protect both their neck health and overall well-being.


Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.


Also Read: Baking soda water for health: Improve muscle performance, support digestion, and understand risks

---