Overuse of Electronic Gadgets Triggers Early Ageing: Medical Experts

A study conducted by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has revealed that by June 2016, the number of web users in the country could reach 371 million. Medical experts opine that excessive use of electronic devices like tablets, notebooks, mobile phones, and e-readers can cause “Tech Neck” and can precipitate early signs of aging.

Symptoms of Tech Neck include flabby skin, dipping jowls, and creases above the clavicle, coupled with deep frown lines, bags under the eyes and fat prominences.

Bending consistently for long hours holding devices such as Smartphone, tablets, readers and laptops can lead to the early formation of wrinkles. Constant poring over screens of Smartphone or tablets can also lead to cervical and lumbar pain besides headaches, numbness and tingling in the finger tips.

Constant flexion in the forward direction can cause changes in the vertebral column and its supporting ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It can lead to postural changes also.

Wanton use of smartphones shortens the neck muscles. It leads to sagging skin, double chin and falling jowls leading to an aged appearance much earlier than the natural process. Experts named medically this as “smartphone face”.

Staring continuously at an LED screen for long hours also sends the muscles of the neck into a spasm. It could also lead to the compression of the vertebrae and as a consequence the nerves which run through them. Nerve compression could result in loss of sensations in the extremities like fingers and shooting pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders.

Prominent cosmetic surgeons warn people of the excessive use of electronic gadgets can cause irreparable damage to their neck bone and the skin. Users should take needed steps to avoid the overuse of the electronic devices.