Is Your Phone Hurting More Than Just Your Neck? ‘Text Neck’ May Be Stressing Your Heart Too

Experts warn that prolonged smartphone use and forward head posture could impact heart health and emotional well-being.

 If you’re spending hours hunched over your smartphone, you may be putting more than just your neck at risk. A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cureus suggests that “text neck”—the forward head posture commonly adopted while using mobile devices—may also be silently straining your heart and increasing stress levels.

What Is Text Neck?

Text neck refers to the posture where the head tilts forward and down while looking at a phone or screen. This increasingly common position, especially among younger adults, has been linked to chronic neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, muscle fatigue, and even long-term spinal damage.

But now, research is uncovering deeper, systemic consequences.

Study Reveals Link Between Forward Head Posture and Heart Function

Researchers from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in Puducherry examined 84 participants aged 19 to 45 to assess how forward head posture (FHP) affects heart rate variability (HRV)—a key measure of heart health and stress resilience.

Participants with more severe FHP showed signs of sympathetic dominance—an overstimulated stress response—and reduced activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which normally helps the body relax. In simple terms, their hearts were in a constant state of alert, increasing the risk for chronic stress and cardiovascular strain.

How Posture Disrupts Heart and Lung Function

Consistently leaning your head forward can misalign the cervical spine, particularly the top two vertebrae (C1 and C2), disrupting blood flow and nerve communication essential for regulating heart function. This posture also restricts lung expansion, making it harder for the body to oxygenate efficiently—adding further stress to the heart.

The Role of Smartphone Addiction and ‘Nomophobia’

The study also found that excessive smartphone use often leads to “nomophobia”—the fear of being without a mobile phone. Participants with higher levels of smartphone dependency were more likely to suffer from emotional distress, fatigue, and chronic neck and back pain, compounding both physical and mental health challenges.

Prevention: How to Avoid Text Neck and Protect Your Health

Experts recommend a series of easy, practical strategies to reduce the effects of text neck:

• Hold your phone at eye level to avoid neck bending.
• Maintain proper posture, keeping the shoulders relaxed and spine straight.
• Take frequent breaks—stand up, stretch, and roll your shoulders every 20 minutes.
• Use hands-free options like voice-to-text or phone stands.
• Limit screen time and break up usage throughout the day.
• Incorporate posture exercises such as chin tucks and shoulder rolls.
• Consult a fitness or healthcare expert before starting a new exercise routine.

Raising Awareness for Long-Term Health

Health professionals emphasize the importance of posture education in schools and public spaces to curb the growing trend of smartphone-related health issues. While smartphones are essential tools, awareness and moderation are key to preventing their hidden health costs.