Abstract

Mobile phones offer powerful communication and entertainment; however, extended use can cause neck and shoulder pain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the association between mobile phone use and the development of cervical pain and to assess the prevalence, severity, duration, and potential risk factors. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted from inception to February 2024. Observational studies reporting the prevalence, severity, or duration of cervical pain in mobile phone users compared to non-users were included. Risk of bias was assessed, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to find pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Ten observational studies with over 15,452 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of cervical pain was significantly higher in mobile phone users compared to non-users (OR = 6.30, 95% CI 5.11-7.76, I² = 15%). Mobile phone use for>4 hours/day (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 2.67-4.58) and text neck posture (OR = 12.30, 95% CI 7.99-18.97) were identified as significant risk factors. More severe cervical pain was observed in users with duration >4 hours/day (standardized mean difference = 1.10, 95% CI 0.82-1.38, I² = 35%). Notably, cervical pain persisted for >6 months in 43% of mobile phone users. In conclusion, mobile phone use was linked to a greater risk of cervical pain, with increased prevalence, severity, and chronicity. The amount of daily phone use and the posture used while using the phone are key factors in the development of cervical pain.

Key words: Cervical pain, neck pain, posture, musculoskeletal pain, risk factors, mobile phone use, systematic review.