Dimensions of Discomfort: Exploring Smartphone Dimensions and Its Impact on upper extremity Musculoskeletal Health

Background Smartphones are central to modern life, with their usage rising significantly in the post-pandemic era. Among young adults, excessive use and addiction are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study examines the link between smartphone usage, dimensions, pain severity, and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs). Materials and methods This cross-sectional study included 262 participants aged 19 to 44 years. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and had over 12 months of smartphone usage history. Data were collected through a paper-based self-structured questionnaire encompassing demographic details, smartphone usage and dimensions, the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Results A total of 262 participants with a mean age of 27.8 ± 6.9 years were included. Smartphone addiction was prevalent among 60.3% of participants, with males (62.8%) exhibiting a higher prevalence. Male participants showed a significant association with neck (X² = 4.796, p < 0.05), shoulder (X² = 11.853, p < 0.001), elbow (X² = 16.306, p < 0.001), and wrist/hand MSDs (X² = 11.883, p < 0.001). Increased smartphone width and weight emerged as significant contributors to MSDs across various regions, including the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand. Notably, neck pain showed significant variations with smartphone width (H = 13.12, p = 0.004) and length (H = 8.852, p = 0.031), while wrist pain exhibited differences linked to smartphone width (H = 9.746, p = 0.021). Conclusion This study highlights smartphone dimensions as critical factors in the development of UEMSDs and underscores the need for ergonomic smartphone designs to mitigate associated health risks. Understanding the impact of smartphone use and its dimensions offers valuable insights into preventive measures for musculoskeletal health in young adults.