PUBG Addiction Leads to Spinal Deformity in Teen

A 19-year-old boy from India developed a severe spinal deformity and risk of paralysis after spending nearly a year playing online games, including PUBG, for up to 12 hours a day, highlighting the dangers of excessive online gaming and the need for parental supervision.

The boy's condition was caused by undiagnosed spinal tuberculosis, which led to abscess formation and pus accumulation, exerting pressure on the spinal cord. He suffered from a kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity, which caused difficulty walking, passing urine, and a progressive curvature of the spine. Doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in New Delhi treated the boy's condition, performing a complex spinal correction surgery that restored his mobility and bladder function.

The case highlights a growing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents due to prolonged screen exposure, sedentary habits, and social isolation linked to gaming. Spinal tuberculosis is a condition that can progress quietly, especially when early symptoms are ignored. Among adolescents, sedentary lifestyles due to extended screen time can delay detection, making treatment more complex. Doctors are reporting a rise in spinal deformities and nerve complications among young patients who initially dismiss symptoms as minor discomfort.

The incident serves as a warning to parents and teenagers about the risks of excessive online gaming and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and physical activity. Early medical intervention and awareness are crucial in preventing severe physical and mental health outcomes, and doctors recommend regular check-ups and monitoring of adolescents' gaming habits to prevent such complications.