A 25-year-old man in Japan was diagnosed with a rare condition known as 'Dropped Head Syndrome' due to excessive smartphone use. This case highlights the potential repercussions of prolonged, unhealthy posture while using mobile devices. Doctors are now cautioning young people about the risks of tech neck and posture-related damage stemming from extended periods of looking down at their phones.

The man, whose case was detailed in the medical journal JOS Case Reports, experienced a loss of ability to lift his head. The condition, 'dropped head syndrome,' is uncommon, particularly among younger individuals. The report emphasized the severe repercussions of maintaining a bent neck posture for extended durations.

The patient developed a noticeable bulge at the back of his neck and, by 2023, could no longer hold his head upright due to weakened neck muscles. He also suffered from intense neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss, all linked to his posture issues.

The patient's history revealed that despite being active as a child, he endured severe bullying during his teenage years, leading to social isolation. He dropped out of school, and his mobile phone became his primary source of companionship. This prolonged use of his phone with poor posture led to his condition.

Scans revealed distortions and dislocations of the cervical vertebrae, as well as scar tissue on his upper spine caused by constant neck stretching. Initially, doctors used collars for treatment, but the patient experienced a lack of sensation in his neck, which led to the decision for surgery.

The surgical procedures involved removing damaged vertebrae and scar tissue and stabilizing his neck with screws and metal rods to correct his posture. It took approximately six months for him to recover, and further recovery is still in progress to maintain a healthy posture.

Doctors are emphasizing moderation in smartphone usage and the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid such catastrophic conditions, especially among young people. The syndrome is a neuromuscular disease that can also result from spinal deformities caused by prolonged unhealthy neck postures.