From morning alarms on smartphones to late-night scrolling on social media, an average day now involves eight to 10 hours of screen time. With this comes musculoskeletal issues among people in their early
20s.
Orthopaedic specialists report that the complaints are no longer limited to occasional discomfort. Doctors are seeing early signs of chronic conditions that were traditionally associated with middle-aged or older individuals.
“We are increasingly seeing younger individuals present with neck pain, back pain, and knee pain, conditions once associated with older age groups. The primary reason is a sedentary lifestyle combined with prolonged screen exposure, whether for work, studies, or leisure. Poor posture, minimal physical activity, and inadequate muscle conditioning further aggravate the issue. Additionally, many tend to ignore early warning signs, allowing minor discomfort to progress into chronic pain conditions. The body is simply not designed for long, uninterrupted hours of static positioning,” said Dr. Atul Shrivastava , Consultant (Orthopaedic Surgeon), Narayana Hospital, Howrah, Kolkata.
Why Are Young People Reporting A Surge In Pain-Related Conditions?
Clinics are seeing an increasing number of young patients reporting wrist pain, finger stiffness, reduced grip strength, and persistent neck discomfort. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist, are now being diagnosed in individuals as young as 22 or 23.
“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. This nerve is responsible for sensation and movement in parts of the hand. With increasing screen time, especially prolonged typing, scrolling, or using handheld devices without proper wrist support, there is repetitive strain on the wrist. Over time, this leads to inflammation and pressure within the carpal tunnel, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and even weakness in the hands and fingers,” said Dr Simon Thomas, Senior Director, Robotic Joint Replacements & Orthopaedics at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.
Another common issue is “text neck”, a condition caused by prolonged neck bending while using smartphones. Over time, this posture puts excessive strain on the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and even long-term structural changes.
What makes this trend particularly concerning is its scale. Doctors say the rise is not isolated but widespread, reflecting a broader behavioural shift among urban youth. The combination of academic work, professional demands, and digital entertainment has created a near-constant cycle of screen use.
How Screen Time Is Taking A Toll On The Body
Unlike traditional desk work, most young people these days use smartphones to consume every bit of information, whether it is emails, messages, podcasts, reels, news, shopping, or browsing. This leads to many reporting issues related to poor posture—slouching, bending the neck forward — and holding devices at awkward angles for extended periods.
“Extended screen time affects multiple systems. Musculoskeletally, it leads to poor posture: forward head, rounded shoulders, and spinal strain resulting in neck and back pain. Repetitive hand movements can strain tendons and nerves. Ocularly, it causes digital eye strain, dryness, and headaches due to reduced blinking. Physically, prolonged sitting slows metabolism and impacts circulation,” pointed out Dr Shrivastava.
The damage is less about intensity and more about consistency, he added. “The body tolerates strain well if it is varied, but screen use is repetitive and static. Over time, certain muscle groups become overactive (like neck stabilisers), while others weaken (like upper back muscles). This imbalance alters movement patterns, you start ‘holding’ yourself rather than moving freely. I often tell patients that the body becomes efficient at the wrong things. By the time pain appears, these altered patterns are already well established, which is why recovery takes longer than expected.”
The pandemic has further intensified this pattern. With work-from-home arrangements becoming more common, the line between professional and personal screen time has blurred. A typical day might include hours of laptop work followed by streaming content or scrolling through apps, leaving little time for physical recovery.
“I would not justify excessive screen time; it is at the root of many issues Gen Z and millennial face today. That said, it has increased because people feel the need to stay on top of everything, constantly thinking, searching for instant solutions, and often slipping into doom-scrolling. Personally, I notice the physical effects too. I tend to slouch, and when I use my phone while lying down, my hands sometimes go stiff or numb,” said Sejal Sood (name changed), a 23-year-old media professional from Noida.
What Are The Hidden Long-Term Risks?
While occasional discomfort may seem manageable, the long-term implications are far more serious. Early-onset musculoskeletal disorders can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and decreased productivity over time.
What worries doctors is the concept of “early degeneration.” Problems that were once seen in people in their 40s or 50s are now appearing in individuals two decades younger. This not only affects quality of life but also increases the likelihood of long-term dependency on medical treatment.
“Doctors are increasingly concerned about early degeneration, which refers to premature wear and tear of joints, spinal discs, and soft tissues due to sustained stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits. When such degeneration begins at a younger age, it can lead to chronic conditions such as persistent back and neck pain, disc prolapse, arthritis, and nerve compression disorders. Over time, this may result in reduced mobility, dependency on long-term treatments, and in severe cases, the need for surgical intervention, significantly affecting quality of life and productivity,” pointed out Dr Thomas.
What Are The Early Warning Signs?
One of the biggest challenges is that these conditions often develop gradually. Many people ignore early symptoms, assuming they are temporary or insignificant.
Common warning signs include tingling or numbness in the fingers, stiffness in the wrist, and fatigue in the thumb after prolonged phone use. Some may notice a reduced ability to grip objects firmly or experience discomfort while typing.
Neck pain is another key indicator. A constant dull ache, especially after long hours of screen use, may signal the onset of postural strain. In some cases, the pain can radiate to the shoulders or upper back.
Ignoring these symptoms can allow the condition to worsen over time, making treatment more complex and recovery slower.
How Can One Cut Down On Screen Time?
Despite the growing prevalence of these issues, awareness remains limited. Many young people do not associate their discomfort with screen usage. Instead, they attribute it to fatigue or temporary strain.
There is also a cultural tendency to normalise overuse of devices. Long screen hours are often seen as a sign of productivity or engagement, rather than a potential health risk. As a result, preventive measures are rarely prioritised.
“Reducing screen time requires conscious effort and structured habits. Individuals should take regular breaks, ideally following the ‘20-20-20’ rule, and ensure proper ergonomic positioning with screens at eye level and wrists in a neutral position. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines and limiting non-essential screen usage, especially before bedtime, can also help. While work-related screen exposure may be unavoidable, recreational screen time should ideally be restricted to 1-2 hours per day, with adequate breaks to minimise strain on the body,” stressed Dr Thomas.
When Should One Consult A Doctor?
Dr Thomas says a person should consult a doctor when they experience persistent pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands, wrists, neck, or back do not improve with rest or basic adjustments. Warning signs also include reduced grip strength, frequent dropping of objects, or discomfort that interferes with daily activities and sleep, he warned.
Early medical evaluation is important to prevent progression of the condition and to initiate appropriate treatment before complications arise, he stressed.
Ultimately, the rise in screen-related health issues reflects a deeper behavioural shift. Technology is unlikely to become less central to daily life. However, how people interact with it needs to evolve.
