A 25-year-old Japanese man developed a rare condition known as ‘dropped head syndrome’ after spending years hunched over his smartphone playing games.
Medical experts have documented this case to raise awareness about the potential dangers of prolonged smartphone usage, particularly among young people.
Severe Neck Deformities From Prolonged Smartphone Gaming
The patient sought medical help after experiencing severe neck pain for six months and being unable to lift his head.
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Photos and medical scans revealed a prominent bulge erupting from his neck, which doctors attributed to his vertebrae becoming “extremely extended” from maintaining an unnatural position for extended periods.
The man also reported problems swallowing, which led to reduced food intake and significant weight loss.
MRI scans showed his cervical spine had become distorted and dislocated, with scar-like tissue developing over time due to excessive stretching.
Patient History and Surgical Intervention for Neck Damage
According to the medical report published in JOS Case Reports in 2023, the patient had been an active child before his lifestyle changed dramatically during his teenage years.
After experiencing “serious bullying,” he withdrew from society, dropped out of school, and isolated himself in his room for several years.
During this self-imposed isolation, he played smartphone games for extremely long periods while deeply bending his neck to look down at the device.
Doctors initially attempted to treat the condition with neck collars to support and stabilize his head.
When the patient complained of numbness while wearing these devices, medical professionals opted for surgical intervention.
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The surgery involved removing small segments of his vertebrae and scar tissue that had developed in his neck.
Surgeons then inserted screws and metal rods into the bones of his neck to correct his posture.
Six months following the procedure, the patient could easily hold his head in a horizontal position.
A follow-up examination one year later confirmed his problems with lifting his head and swallowing had not returned.
The medical team concluded that the condition likely resulted from a combination of long-term effects of holding his neck in an awkward position while using his smartphone and a possible “underlying developmental disorder.”
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They emphasized the need for greater awareness about excessive smartphone usage risks, noting that such usage is increasing among young people.
‘Dropped head syndrome’—also known as ‘floppy head syndrome’—is normally associated with neuromuscular disorders such as motor neurone disease, though it can be triggered by other conditions, including substance abuse.
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