The price of prolonged scrolling: Actress addicted to her smartphone ends up on the operating table
Hours of gaming and scrolling in bed ended in severe nerve damage. Indonesian actress Shakila was forced to undergo complex neck surgery. Now, immobilized in a brace, she warns: "The pain was unbearable — keep children away from screens."
A serious warning for those who tend to watch screens excessively and without control. Indonesian actress Shakila reveals the shocking experience she went through after being forced to undergo complex neck surgery due to what she defines as a severe smartphone addiction.
According to her, she used to spend long hours playing games and watching videos on her phone, sometimes up to four hours straight while lying in bed in an unnatural position. "I would only get up to make coffee or tea and immediately return to the same position," she recalled. The poor posture and prolonged strain caused severe damage to the neck nerves, leading to intense pain she described as "unbearable."
13,400 shekels and a neck brace
Her deteriorating condition forced her to undergo a surgical procedure that cost approximately 13,400 shekels, according to a report on the Indian Express website. After the surgery, she lost her independence and required constant assistance even for basic tasks like eating and getting out of bed.
Now, while in a long recovery process with her neck immobilized in a brace, Shakila seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers inherent in the uncontrolled use of mobile devices. "Use your phones only when you really need to," she said in an interview with the Malayala Manorama newspaper. She also sent a particularly sharp message to parents:
"Keep your children away from smartphones. The price could be too high."
How to avoid neck damage?
This resonant case highlights the health phenomenon known as "Text Neck" — excessive strain on the cervical spine as a result of prolonged head tilting toward the screen.
Health experts emphasize that to prevent cumulative damage, one must ensure to hold the screen at eye level and avoid prolonged lying in positions that strain the muscles. Studies show that maintaining an upright posture and taking planned breaks not only reduce the load on the neck and back but also contribute to improved mood and concentration.
