Chinese university student paralyzed after excessive phone gaming

Xiaodong, a third-year student from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, worked part-time washing dishes and cleaning tables during his summer vacation. After long shifts, he often spent more than two to three hours gaming on his phone while sitting with his head bent forward and sometimes experienced numbness in his hands, feet, and neck, Fujian Health News reported.

On July 30, he suddenly lost feeling in his legs and noticed his arms weakening, prompting emergency treatment at Quanzhou No. 1 Hospital.

Dr. Huang Jiecong, deputy head of the hospital’s orthopedic trauma department, said prolonged head-down posture caused severe spinal compression. Scans revealed a blood clot pressing on Xiaodong’s spinal cord, leaving him without sensation below the chest and weakening his arms. Surgeons removed the clot in an emergency operation, and he has since regained partial movement but remains in rehabilitation.

A person plays mobile game. Illustration photo from Pexels

Huang added that constantly bending the neck can increase muscle strain several times over the head’s weight, eventually damaging spinal ligaments and blood vessels and, in severe cases, leading to permanent paralysis.

He warned that with the widespread use of smartphones and computers, cervical spine disorders are becoming increasingly common. Common symptoms include neck stiffness, numbness in the hands or feet, and radiating pain. Severe cases can result in difficulty walking or paralysis.

Medical experts advise that anyone experiencing persistent neck pain, tingling, or weakness should seek professional spinal care rather than unverified massage or acupuncture services, which could delay treatment. They also recommend maintaining correct posture, avoiding extended periods of looking down, and strengthening neck muscles through regular exercise.